America paused to say goodbye Wednesday to President George H.W. Bush.
Past presidents, foreign leaders, family, and friends were among the thousands who gathered to remember the nation’s 41st president at the Washington National Cathedral.
The most touching tribute was offered by his own son, former President George W. Bush, who shared lessons passed from one Commander in Chief to another.
“He showed me what it means to be a president who serves with courage and leads with love in his heart for the citizens of his country,” he said of his father.
The former president’s flag-draped casket was carried in a motorcade to Joint Base Andrews outside the capital city following his state funeral at Washington National Cathedral.
An aircraft that often serves as Air Force One and designated “Special Air Mission 41” is flying the casket to Houston.
In Houston, Bush’s body will be transported by motorcade to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. A public viewing of Bush’s casket will be held at the church until early Thursday, followed by a private funeral. Burial will take place at the presidential library in College Station, Texas.