What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to the passing of former President George H.W. Bush

0
33
George H.W. Bush
[Photo Credit: AP Photo]

George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died Friday night at age 94, and the tributes and condolences have poured in for the man remembered as a World War II veteran, the Cold War president who saw the fall of the Iron Curtain and the collapse of the Soviet Union, and a loving family man.

Here’s what Alabama politicians are saying about his passing:

Kay Ivey headshotGov. Kay Ivey:

President George H.W. Bush was a true statesman and patriot who served our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later as Congressman, Ambassador, CIA Director, Vice President and President. The honor he showed our people will live on long after today. He was a leader for us all, and his presence will be truly missed. I pray for the Bush Family as they mourn the death of their father, grandfather, great-grandfather and our 41st President.

Senator Richard ShelbyU.S. Sen. Richard Shelby:

President George H.W. Bush was a true American statesman and hero. He dedicated his life to serving the country he loved for more than 70 years. From a young Naval aviator shot down in WWII to Commander-in-Chief, President Bush led our nation with integrity, honor, and measure. Annette and I join all Americans in mourning his passing. His legacy of humility and devotion will never be forgotten.

Doug JonesU.S. Sen. Doug Jones:

I was deeply saddened this morning by the news of President George H.W. Bush’s passing. President Bush served the United States of America throughout his life with honor and dignity, both at war and here at home, as a Navy pilot, a diplomat, and a statesman. He made the most of his 94 years of life and he set an example we should all strive to follow, especially his unwavering dedication to his family and to our country. Louise and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Bush family as they grieve the loss of their beloved patriarch.

Bradley Byrne Official fraudAlabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne:

George H.W. Bush was an American hero and icon. Throughout his 94 years, he served our nation in so many ways, and he accomplished so much. Despite all of this, I think the life of George H.W. Bush is best summed up in a very simple phrase: he was a good man. May God be with the Bush family and a grateful nation as we mourn and remember a good man and an American hero.

Martha Roby OfficialAlabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby:

Sad news tonight as we mourn the passing of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush. He was a remarkable American who served this country honorably. He will be dearly missed. My prayers are with the Bush family during this time.

Mike Rogers OfficialAlabama 3rd District U.S. Rep.  Mike Rogers:

Sending heartfelt prayers to the Bush family this morning after the passing of President George H.W. Bush. The world lost a great man today who will be remembered for a lifetime of service.

Robert Aderholt OfficialAlabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt:

I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. He was not only our 41st President, but a hero of WWII who was the epitome of the Greatest Generation.

Mo Brooks OfficialAlabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks:

It is with heavy hearts Martha and I learn of President George H.W. Bush’s passing this morning. We join the Nation in mourning the death of a great man, who before serving as President of the United States honorably served as a Navy pilot during World War II, a U.S. Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief U.S. Liaison to China, CIA Director, and Vice President of the United States. Throughout his impressive service to our Nation, President Bush set the standard for leadership and integrity. President Bush was deeply devoted to his family, and it showed in their love for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family at this time of grief.

Terri Sewell OfficialAlabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell:

‪In the Navy, the CIA, and in the Oval Office, President George H.W. Bush dedicated his life to service. He was a true patriot who put his country first. Today my prayers are with the whole Bush family.‬

Mac McCutcheonAlabama Speaker of the House, Monrovia-RepublicanMac McCutcheon:

President George H.W. Bush epitomized all that is great about public service. A man of means who could have lived a life of comfort and relaxation, he chose instead to open himself to the criticism that politics and difficult decisions often bring.

Our nation is better off for the service that he gallantly offered both in office and as a veteran of World War II. During his presidency, the Berlin Wall fell, the Iron Curtain was finally parted, and our world became more stable and secure under his watch.

President Bush is now reunited with his beloved Barbara and the daughter, Robin, that they lost.

History will be kind to him, which is just and deserved.

Alabama State House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter on behalf of the House Republican Caucus:

The members of the Alabama House Republican Caucus join the rest of the nation and freedom-loving people around the world in mourning the loss of President George H.W. Bush.

He will be considered among the greatest of our one-term presidents, and most will agree that our nation would have been spared much drama and turmoil had he been elected to a second term.

He was both a gentleman and a gentle man who offered an example for others to follow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they celebrate 94 years of a life well lived.

 

Other notable Alabamians

William J CanaryWilliam J. Canary | Former President of the Business Council of Alabama, who served as a Special Assistant on the White House staff of President George H.W. Bush and as Director of the First Family during the 1989 Presidential Inaugural

President George H.W. Bush, a man to whom family and friendship was quite simply all, now belongs to the ages. It was the honor of a lifetime to know him and to be given the privilege to serve on his watch in the White House.

A kind and loving individual, he will forever be the most qualified person to occupy the Oval Office.

May God bless him and his family as they celebrate a long life that was lived to its fullest.