George H.W. Bush in his Grumman TBM Avenger aboard San Jacinto in 1944
Photo above By Unknown – U.S. Navy photo H069-13
Columbus, Ohio – Today Governor John R. Kasich ordered that flags be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the state of Ohio from sunrise to sunset for the next 30 days, in honor of President George H.W. Bush. Kasich also issued the following statement:
“Ohioans join with all Americans and millions of people throughout the free world to mourn the death of President George Herbert Walker Bush. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a gentleman, a patriot, a public servant, a statesman and a leader. He understood the value and power of each of us and that’s why he created ‘a thousand points of light’ to encourage us to come together as a nation and lift each other up. Our thoughts are with the Bush family and all those who worked with this great man to make the world a better, safer place.”
President Bush died Friday night at his Houston home. He was 94 years-old.
Statement from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush
Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night.
Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service—to be, in his words, “a thousand points of light” illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world.
President Bush always found a way to set the bar higher. As a young man, he captained the Yale baseball team, and then went on to serve as the youngest aviator in the United States Navy during the Second World War. Later in life, he rose to the pinnacle of American politics as a Congressman from Texas, envoy to China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President of eight years to President Ronald Reagan, and finally President of the United States.
With sound judgement, common sense, and unflappable leadership, President Bush guided our Nation, and the world, to a peaceful and victorious conclusion of the Cold War. As President, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed. And through all that he accomplished, he remained humble, following the quiet call to service that gave him a clear sense of direction.
Along with his full life of service to country, we will remember President Bush for his devotion to family—especially the love of his life, Barbara. His example lives on, and will continue to stir future Americans to pursue a greater cause. Our hearts ache with his loss, and we, with the American people, send our prayers to the entire Bush family, as we honor the life and legacy of 41.
Statement from Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush
“Karen and I were saddened to learn of the passing of President George H.W. Bush and we send our deepest sympathies to the entire Bush family. President Bush loved his family, loved this country and his legacy will be a lifetime of service to the United States of America.
Beginning with his service as a Naval Aviator in WWII, where he flew 58 combat missions and was shot down over the Pacific, George H. W. Bush always answered the call to serve America.
His years in Congress, as a diplomat, CIA Director and Vice President of the United States were characterized by modesty, integrity, and patriotism. His years as the 41st President of the United States left America and the world more peaceful, prosperous and secure.
During this difficult time, we send our prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Bush family. We join them and the American people in mourning the passing of this good and great man. His example will always inspire and his lifetime of service will be enshrined in the hearts of the American people forever. God Bless President George H.W. Bush.”
Statement by Ohio Attorney General and Governor-Elect Mike DeWine on the Death of Former President George H.W. Bush
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— The following is a statement by Ohio Attorney General and Governor-Elect Mike DeWine on the death of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush.
“Fran and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of a great and good man — our friend, former President George H.W. Bush. We extend our sympathy and love to his children, grandchildren and great-granchildren.
“President Bush lived a full and fulfilling life, revolving around his touchstones of faith, family and friends.
“President Bush said that the definition of a successful life was in serving others, and he urged Americans to reach out to those in need as part of a ‘thousand points of light.’ President Bush never stopped helping his fellow Americans, and led the way for volunteer efforts in times of disaster or other events, often partnering with his 1992 political rival turned personal friend, President Bill Clinton.
“President Bush came to Ohio often, and Fran and I were always delighted to be with him many times when he visited the Buckeye State. When were having a picture taken with him and our whole family at Wright Patterson AFB, he noticed that our son Brian had the flap of his jacket pocket turned out. Ever the father, he helped him fix it before the picture was taken.
“President Bush also knew the pain of losing a child, having lost his daughter, Robin, to cancer. When our daughter, Becky, died in 1993, he called Fran and me to express his condolences.
“While we join our fellow Ohioans in mourning, we take comfort that President Bush is now reunited with the love of his life, former First Lady Barbara Bush, and their beloved daughter, Robin, and we are grateful for the life of this good man.”
I have cherished my visits with GHWB and Mrs. B since they left office. Here we are a few months ago with his famous companion, Sully, when I surprised him with a BUSH ‘88 hat. We all mourn the loss of a great man.
Senator Sherrod Brown via TwitterConnie and I send our deepest condolences to the Bush family, and everyone mourning his loss today, including our friend @senrobportman, who served with President Bush.
Like most of the WWII generation, and our veterans today, President George H.W. Bush never bragged about his military record. He simply dedicated his life to service, and we are all grateful for his commitment to our country. -SB
America has lost a great statesman and a true patriot in George H.W. Bush. From the skies over the Pacific in the Second World War to the halls of Congress, the UN, the CIA, and the White House, his life of service was a testament to his deep love for America and his dedication to making our nation and our world a better place. My prayers and deepest condolences are with George, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Dorothy, and all of the Bush family. – Rep. Brad Wenstrup via Facebook
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. President Bush was a great family man, a distinguished statesmen, and a patriot who always served this nation honorably and with dignity. His legacy is nearly unparalleled in our history, as he and his family have given so much to our nation. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family.
I had the pleasure of meeting President Bush several times, both here in Ohio and in Washington. Here are a couple pictures, the first at the White House and the second at the Greater Cincinnati airport. – Rep. Steve Chabot on Facebook