Celebrating a patriot
As I write this week’s column, Washington was wrapping up the public-facing events celebrating President George H.W. Bush’s honorable and incredible life. He embodied what it means to be an American patriot and public servant.
Though I’m sure the four days of national mourning seemed like an eternity to the family, I’m so glad the Bush family allowed the nation ample opportunity to share in their remembrance of the president.
Over those four days, the president laid in state in the U.S. Capitol for three days, then was honored in a state funeral at the National Cathedral, and finally laid to rest in Texas.
President Bush is the 12th president to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol. Those entitled to a state funeral include the current president, former presidents and the president-elect. However, the family of the deceased, is the deciding factor.
President Bush was laid to rest in College Station, Texas, at his namesake presidential library. He joined other loved ones there, including his late wife, Barbara, and daughter, Robin.
The U.S. Capitol rotunda has seen its fair amount of sorrow this year, with three significant figures in American history laid there for the nation to pay its respects to: Billy Graham, Sen. John McCain and now President Bush. I hope there are no more in 2018.
At the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, the plethora of visitors touring the White House this Christmas season will notice President Bush’s portrait draped in black cloth, a solemn reminder of his service in the White House.
While the president lay in state in Washington, he had many visitors who came to pay their respects—many he knew and thousands he did not.
President Bush’s service dog, with whom he spent the final months of his life after wife Barbara passed, visited the casket while at the Capitol. Though Sully, the yellow Labrador retriever, is parting ways with the Bush family soon, he will continue his service by assisting veteran service members in recovery at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.
Besides being an adorable pup, his appearance in the Capitol, along with several disabled Americans, was a reminder of the importance of the American with Disabilities Act. President Bush signed the law in 1990 requiring places of business to allow service dogs.
Perhaps the most memorable and touching visit was from fellow World War II veteran and public servant Bob Dole.
On Dec. 4, the 95-year-old Dole made his way to the Capitol for a final goodbye to the president. He arose from his wheelchair and saluted the casket. There was not a dry eye in the place.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts tweeted Dec. 5 one of his fondest memories of the president, a 1990 letter from then Senate Republican Leader Dole thanking him for “bend[ing] the President’s ear for a few minutes, especially on the Farm Bill.”
Eighteen years later, we’re back again here in the farm bill season.
Editor’s note: Seymour Klierly writes Washington Whispers for the Journal from inside the Beltway.
