- Former President George H.W. Bush died last Friday.
- Republicans, Democrats, and world leaders have shown their support for Bush in the days since.
When former President George H.W. Bush died on Friday, other former presidents, members of Congress, and world leaders honored him in their own words. Here are some of the individuals' statements on Bush's life and legacy.
Mitch McConnell
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke on Monday at the ceremony for Bush as his casket entered the US Capitol to lie in state.
"He kept us on course with his even temperament and hard-won expertise. George Herbert Walker Bush steered this country as straight as he steered that airplane," McConnell said, noting Bush's service during World War II. "He kept us flying high and challenged us to fly higher still. And he did it with modesty and kindness that would have been surprising in someone one-tenth as tough and accomplished as he was."
Nancy Pelosi
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who served in Congress during Bush's presidency, honored the late president in a statement after his death, calling him "a gentleman of the highest integrity and deepest patriotism.
"It was a privilege to work with him and witness his firm commitment to ensuring America lived up to our Founders’ promise of hope and freedom," she said.
"President Bush profoundly believed in the power of ordinary Americans to make a difference. His belief in a 'kinder, gentler' America encouraged people to embrace the spirit of service and encouraged them to share his vision of 'a thousand points of light.'" Pelosi added. "We will all remember his great humility, unwavering compassion, deep faith and extraordinary kindness in and out of the political arena."
Paul Ryan
House Speaker Paul Ryan also addressed the Bush family and others in attendance at the ceremony on Monday, calling Bush a "great patriot."
"He made monumental contributions to freedom with a fundamental decency that resonates across generations," Ryan said. "No one better harmonized the joy of life and the duty of life."
"There is that indelible image of him as commander-in-chief during the Gulf War waving to a sea of troops during a visit over Thanksgiving," he added. "There are the images of him as a devoted husband—that twinkle in his eye Barbara always brought out—especially in those big family photos in Kennebunkport. There is the image of him as a loving father reaching out to hold his son’s hand at the National Cathedral after 9/11."
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