George H.W. Bushreceived a heartfelt send-off from his family on Monday.
Sons George W. Bush, 72, Jeb Bush, 65, Neil Bush, 63, and Marvin Bush, 62, as well as daughter Dorothy Bush Koch, 59, were all in attendance along with their spouses at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, where the former president lies in state.
The patriarch raised his kids with his late wife of 73 years, Barbara, whodiedin April at age 92.
Joining the siblings were Bush’s grandchildren, including the 43rd president’s twin daughtersJenna Bush HagerandBarbara Bush, Jeb’s sons George Prescott and John Ellis and daughter Noelle, Neil’s daughters Lauren Bush Lauren and Ashley and son Pierce, Marvin’s sons Marshall and Charles, and Dorothy’s sons Sam and Robert and daughters Nancy and Georgia.
George W. and Laura Bush.TING SHEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
George W. Bush.Susan Walsh/AP/REX/Shutterstock
The 41st president’s body will remain on the Lincoln Catafalque in the Capitol Rotunda through 7 a.m. ET Wednesday, as it will stay open to accommodate public mourners. Bush is the first president to lie in state since the death of Gerald Ford in 2006. Including Bush,only 32 people have ever lain in state in the Rotunda, including Sen. John McCain earlier this year.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Vice President Mike Pence also paid their respects.
Alex Brandon/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
JONATHAN ERNST/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Laura Bush.ERIK S LESSER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The 43rd president shared aheartwarming tributeto his father and to his parents’ love on Instagram, writing, “Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died. George H. W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for the 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”
Brother Jeb, who is a former Florida governor,tweeted: “I already miss the greatest human being that I will ever know. Love you Dad!”
MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Granddaughter Barbaratold PEOPLEin an emotional interview that her grandfather was “so present” in her and her twin sister Jenna’s lives despite his demanding role as commander-in-chief. “I have so many memories [of] him because we were with him so often. We spent every summer with him since we were born, regardless of what role he was in politically,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jenna takes comfort in knowing that although her late grandfathergets to be reunitedwith his late wife Barbara. “Waking up missing this giant of a man who gave me everything,” shewroteon Instagram Saturday, adding, “He taught me and my family about service, family, decency, the power of gentle words and a beautiful heart. I will miss him desperately but so happy he and my Grandmother are back together.”
Bush’s state funeralwill be heldat the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET. In a presidential proclamation, PresidentDonald Trumpdeclared that Wednesday would be dedicated to Bush’s memory and that flags should be lowered to half-staff in his honor for 30 days.
source: people.com
