-George Herbert Walker Bush demonstrated
the finest qualities of our nation and of humankind.
A great leader and a good man.
A gentle soul of firm resolve.
He showed us that how we live is as important as what we achieve.
His life was a hymn of honor.
His legacy is grace perfected.
-George Bush was just a teenager
when he volunteered for military service
and became the Navy's youngest aviator.
He was only 20 on that September day in 1944
when his plane was hit on a bombing run.
But through the fire and smoke,
George Bush stayed steady at the controls.
A steady hand, staying the course.
That's what George Bush gave us for decades.
Decorated aviator, Congressman, ambassador
to the United Nations, envoy to China, CIA director,
eight years as Vice President, and our commander in chief.
-No one better harmonized the joy of life
and the duty of life.
There's is that indelible image of him
as commander in chief during the Gulf War,
waving to a sea of troops during a visit during Thanksgiving.
There are all these images we have of him
as a devoted husband,
that twinkle in his eye that Barbara always brought out,
especially in those big huge family photos
you all had in Kennebunkport.
This one, I will never forget.
There is that image of him as a loving father,
reaching out to hold his son's hand
at the National Cathedral after 9/11.
-The patriot who lies before us was blessed with many gifts,
but there was no doubt which he prized most of all.
A great love story began at that Christmas dance
when George Bush met Barbara Pierce,
and the grace and virtue they taught their children
have enriched this nation through a family of leaders.
We stand with you in mourning, but also in gratitude.
Gratitude for lives well-lived and duties thoroughly fulfilled.
Gratitude that God gave this country George and Barbara Bush,
and that they may now be reunited
in the light of His grace.
-I was lucky enough to meet him in 1988,
when he was Vice President and I was a 29-year-old
just getting started in politics.
Then, as always, I was struck by his approachability.
There was a kindness about the man
that was evident to everyone who ever met him.
All his years in public service were characterized by kindness,
modesty, and patriotism.
His example will always inspire,
and his lifetime of service will be enshrined
in the hearts of the American people forever.
May God bless the memory of the George Herbert Walker Bush.
May God comfort his family and friends.
And may God continue to bless the United States of America.
-[singing] From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife.