House Speaker Paul Ryan has announced that President George H. W. Bush will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol this week, giving Americans a final chance to pay their respects. The 41st president passed away peacefully in his home in Houston Friday night.
The late President George H.W. Bush will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda beginning with an arrival ceremony on Monday at 5:00 p.m. ET. The public is invited to pay their respects from Monday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET until Wednesday, December 5 at 7:00 a.m. ET.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) December 1, 2018
Ryan recognized the late president on Saturday, along with several other prominent lawmakers and presidents. Here were just a few of those messages.
George H.W. Bush was a man for all seasons: a war hero, statesman, and affectionate family man. In our sadness today, we express our deepest condolences to the Bush family. We give thanks to God for the life of this patriot. pic.twitter.com/jBMP5nfEsh
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) December 1, 2018
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
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
The New York Times reports that Bush Senior's final hours were peaceful ones.
“I can’t even hardly talk about it without welling up,” said Bush's former secretary of state, James A. Baker III, who was at his side Friday. “It was as gentle a passing as I think you could ever expect anyone to have. And he was ready.”
Bush 41's last words to his eldest son, former President George W. Bush were, "I love you, too."
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