I started watching the Bush Funeral ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral and could not stop. Funerals are intended to be uplifting as we celebrate a life well lived. The George Herbert Walker Bush funeral was another chance for our country to understand and appreciate a truly great person and leader. I knew very little about President Bush other than his four year tenure as our President. The speakers, like great artists, painted the picture that I hope each of you heard or will go back and read. Brian Mulroney was the Prime Minister of Canada and he became a close friend and ally. Mulroney asked what each of us was doing on our 20th birthday and then told the story of George as a aviator in the Pacific theater and bailing out of his damaged plane after a bombing run. He was eventually rescued from his raft by a submarine. Mulroney told several other stories relating to Bush, his sense of humor and his legacy. The Clean air act recognized a serious environmental issue that threatened the watershed of Canada and northern US, Mulroney thanked Bush for his leadership on NAFTA, creating the largest free trade zone in the history of the world. Mulroney went on to say that “no occupant of the White House was more courageous, more principled and more honorable than George Herbert Walker Bush”.
I had the good fortune to meet Senator Alan Simpson, the next speaker, in Boise in 2012. Simpson had received the prestigious Andrus Center Award for Political Leadership. Although often political adversaries, Andrus, the then Secretary of the Interior, formed a life long bond with Simpson. In his career Simpson was recognized for his “blunt candor, being opinionated, humorous, and bi-partisan” as he worked to find solutions, no surprise he and Bush were friends. Simpson recalled Bush inviting him to camp David and flying on the Presidential helicopter. It was a time when Simpson was under heavy fire for his bipartisan work on US fiscal policy that included debt and tax reform” and Bush made sure the country knew he supported his friend with a very public departure. Simpson recalled Bush saying “its about the country- not me.” Simpson made two comments that hit home with me. “Humor is the universal solvent against the abrasive elements of life.” Now often quoted Simpson stated “hatred corrodes the container it is carried in.”We are fortunate to have benefited from ‘genuine leadership characterized as distinguished, resolute, selfless and brave.
At the Bush’s Walker Point home George had a simple sign placed overlooking the ocean. CAVU—“Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited” are the words you want to hear before take off. Bush described his life using this aviation terminology-“Everything is perfect”. I hope we can all look back on our life, family and friendships and feel all is as good as we can make it.
Enjoy each day. Mike