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Watch: George W Bush Gets Emotional While Delivering Powerful Eulogy for His Father

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Former President George W. Bush momentarily lost his composure while describing the late President George H.W. Bush as the “best father a son or daughter can have,” at the National Cathedral in Washington on Wednesday.

Bush began his fitting remarks by saying, “I once heard it said of man that the idea is to die young, as late as possible.”

By that measure, the 41st president had achieved his mark when he died at the age of 94 late last week, his oldest son argued.

Bush recounted that his father, born in 1924, still enjoyed his favorite past time of motorboating off the coast of Kennebunkport, Maine, at full throttle, at the age of 85.

“At age 90, George H. W. Bush parachuted out of an aircraft and landed on the grounds of St. Ann’s by the sea in Kennebunkport, Maine, the church where his mom was married and where he worshipped often,” Bush said.

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“Mother liked to say he chose the location just in case the chute didn’t open.”

Even as his health was failing, the elder Bush “took great delight when his closest pal, James A. Baker, smuggled a bottle of Grey Goose vodka into his hospital room. Apparently, it paired well with the steak Baker had delivered from Morton’s,” his son said.

Bush went on to say that his father’s zest for life likely sprang from his close calls with death, including during World War II when the Navy plane he was piloting was shot down by the Japanese over the Pacific Ocean. The other crew members aboard the plane died.

“He was alone in the Pacific on a life raft, praying that his rescuers would find him before the enemy did,” Bush said. “God answered those prayers. It turned out he had other plans for George H.W. Bush.

“For Dad’s part, I think those brushes with death made him cherish the gift of life. And he vowed to live every day to the fullest.”

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Bush drew his remarks to a close saying he took comfort in knowing his dad was now reunited with his mother, Barbara, who passed in June, and his sister, who died at the age of three in 1953 from leukemia.

“So, through our tears, let us know the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man, the best father a son or daughter can have,” said the 43rd president, who at that point broke down and took a brief moment to compose himself.

Bush continued, “And in our grief, let us smile knowing that Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom’s hand again.”

As he returned to his seat, the 43rd president laid his hand on his father’s coffin.

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Randy DeSoto has written more than 2,000 articles for The Western Journal since he joined the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."
Randy DeSoto is the senior staff writer for The Western Journal. He wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.
Birthplace
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated dean's list from West Point
Education
United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law
Books Written
We Hold These Truths
Professional Memberships
Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Entertainment, Faith




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