Usually when one reaches the highest office in the land, that is the ultimate height of their success. For George H.W. Bush, I think it will be his “lifetime of public service”. At the young age of 19, he became the youngest Navy Bomber pilot in World War II and at 94 he was the longest living President in American history. Him and his wife Barbara were together for 74 years.
This photo of his service dog in front of his flag draped casket is very fitting for such a long serving public servant.
George H.W. Bush’s public service included: U.S. Congressman, United Nations Ambassador, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Envoy to China. CBS Sunday Morning did an outstanding job of covering Number 41.
When he ran for President he lost to Ronald Reagan but he serviced as his Vice President for two terms. When he got elected he said, “I want a kinder and gentler Nation.” When the Soviet Nation collapsed he didn’t spike the ball and dance on the Berlin Wall. His way of thinking, we still got to deal with a lot of Russian people.
When he lost his bid for re-election many felt that he had broke his promise. “No new taxes” was his downfall. As a by-partisan politician working across the isle raising taxes and reducing spending was a good idea for the country but spending didn’t end.
When he joined forces with the President from the other party many an eyebrow was raised but the union was for a good cause. the Points of Light Foundation raised millions of dollars for victims of national disaster and promoted volunteer service.
For those who said he was too weak and too nice to be President he proved them wrong. It takes a strong man to jump out of airplanes at 75, 80, 85, and 90 years of age. And it take a supportive woman to let him.
Real heroes don’t fuss, they fight for what’s right. And history, remembers it all.
H.G.M.
Hackett Global Marketing 