“Thirty years ago, on the west front of this capitol, George Herbert Walker Bush addressed the nation for the first time as our president,” McConnell said. “He said, ‘We meet on democracy’s front porch. A good place to talk as neighbors and as friends.’ The words of a humble servant who loved his fellow citizens and of a principled leader who knew America not only guards our own future but also safeguards democracy for the world. Today, this hero has returned to the capitol a final time.”
According to the Washington Post, despite the long-held animosity between the Bush family and President Donald Trump, the funeral focused on the life of George H.W. Bush and did not exhibit any anti-Trump sentiment.
Back in 2016, George H.W. Bush’s son, Jeb Bush, lost to Donald Trump in the Republican primary. During the campaign, both sides engaged in harsh criticisms against each other. Trump has insulted his opponent on multiple occasions.
But Bush’s grandson George P. Bush saw in the funeral an opportunity to put aside political differences and unite the nation.
“Whether it’s him or his staff, I know, and my grandmother, they all wanted all current occupants to be a part of this process and to take advantage of this time where we can put politics aside and focus on the greatness of our country and devotion to causes greater than ourselves,” he told CNN. “There’s a time for politics and there’s a time for governing, but there’s also a time for reflection, and this is a time for reflection for our country to think about the values that make our country great.”
On Monday night, Trump and the first lady spent a little more than a minute in the Rotunda to pray for and salute the former president. He is also expected to pay a condolence call to the Bush family. On Wednesday, although Trump will speak at the funeral, he will attend the event and mourn with the rest of America.
At the funeral, George W. Bush delivered a eulogy for his father. Other speakers included former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Bush’s biographer Jon Meacham and former senator Alan Simpson.
The U.S. Postal Service will “suspend regular mail deliveries, retail services and administrative office activity” on Wednesday.
“Out of respect for the 41st President of the United States and to honor his vast contributions to our country during his lifetime, and consistent with the Presidential Proclamation,” the USPS website announced. “The United States Postal Service will suspend regular mail deliveries, retail services and administrative office activity on Dec. 5.”
Featured image via Chip Somodevilla