Nation reacts to passing of George H.W. Bush
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The nation is mourning and reacting to the death of former President George H.W. Bush.
He died at age 94.
President Trump and the first lady released this statement on Bush’s passing on Twitter. It says in part: “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.”
Statement from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush pic.twitter.com/qxPsp4Ggs7
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2018
And his son, George W. praised the character, life, and love of his dad.
Statement by President George W. Bush on the death of his father, President George H.W. Bush https://t.co/wDD0vnlN8U pic.twitter.com/t7UsDYSKY8
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) December 1, 2018
President Obama acknowledged the patriot and humble servant George H.W. Bush was, in a full statement he released.
America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family tonight – and all who were inspired by George and Barbara’s example. pic.twitter.com/g9OUPu2pjY
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 1, 2018
Athletes and celebrities are also sending out their tributes to the 41st president.
#RIP41 ?? https://t.co/jRJo0meIr7 pic.twitter.com/Sv4kcAPiIX
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) December 1, 2018
Bush and the hashtag RIP41 are topics trending on twitter right now.
The former president has ties to South Bend and Notre Dame.
George H.W. Bush had a close friendship With Legendary Notre Dame Basketball Coach Digger Phelps.
In 1988, the republican presidential nominee campaigned on Notre Dame’s campus. Closed captioning archived from the rally shows Bush applauded Notre Dame excellence and distinguished his views from the then democratic presidential nominee.
Bush highlighted issues like, defense, economics and peace at the rally.
In 1992, Bush received an honorary degree from the University after addressing Notre Dame’s class of 1992. He called the American family quote “an institution under siege.”
According to the University, he also cited adored English professor, Frank O’Malley, and his quote “blood is in the bricks” description of Notre Dame.