Wyoming mourns passing of 41st president

State governor, senators honor former commander-in-chief

George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States, passed away at his home in Houston, Texas at the age of 94 on Nov. 30, 2018. Bush’s death comes just over six months after the death of his wife, Barbara Bush, at the age of of 92. Prior to serving as the 41st President of the United States, Bush served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States, under President Ronald Reagan.

Following his death, President Donald J. Trump issued an order that all United States flags were to fly at half-mast for 30 days.

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead also issued an order that all Wyoming state flags were to fly at half-mast as well.

“President George H.W. Bush was an extraordinary patriot and public servant,” said Mead in a statement. “His dedication to family and his absolute courtesy to all serve as a model for all Americans. Carol and I send our condolences to his family.”

Senator Mike Enzi also issued a statement.

“As a dedicated husband, father and public servant, George H.W. Bush lived his life with honor and distinction. From his time in the Navy during World War II, to Congress, to being an ambassador, to his service as vice-president and president, his dedication to serving his country was exemplary,” Enzi said. “Diana and I send our deepest condolences to the Bush family.”

Bush’s political career began in 1963 when he was elected chairman of the Harris County, Texas Republican Party.

In 1964, Bush ran against incumbent Ralph W. Yarborough in for a seat in the United States Senate. He ultimately lost the election, though he would win election in 1966 to the United States House of Representatives from the 7th District of Texas.

The time that Bush spent in the House would be short-lived as President Richard Nixon convinced the young politician to relinquish his seat in the house to run for a seat in the Senate, once again, against Yarborough. While Yarborough lost in the primary election to Lloyd Bentsen, he endorsed Bentsen against Bush. Bensten would end up defeating Bush in the Senate race.

Following his election loss, Bush was appointed by Nixon as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations and was confirmed in 1971 and served two years in the position. Bush also served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1973 to 1974, Head of the United States Liaison Office in China and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 1976-1977.

Bush served two terms as vice-president to Ronald Reagan and only one term as president following his election loss to Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States. According to presidential historian Mark K. Updegrove, Bush set the tone for future outgoing presidents by leaving a letter of support for Clinton on the Resolute Desk. Every president since has left similar letters of support for their successors.

Following his death, his body was laid in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol until 7 a.m. on Wednesday before his memorial service becoming only the 12th U.S. President to have been lain in state there.

 

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