The 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush, was laid to rest Thursday at his presidential library at Texas A&M University next to his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, after a week of services celebrating his life.
Bush’s body was taken by train to College Station, Texas, for burial as hundreds of people turned out along the train route to say a final farewell.
Thousands of mourners attended a funeral service in Houston earlier in the day at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church where Bush was remembered as a loyal lifelong friend and doting “Gampy” in eulogies at the church where he and his family were members for more than 50 years.
Former Secretary of State James Baker, Bush’s political adviser, confident and friend of some 60 years, eulogized the man he called “jefe,” saying he was going to do something Bush would not like, he was going to praise him.
Bush’s oldest grandson, George P. Bush, recalled how he and his grandfather built an imaginary boat during one of the many visits he enjoyed at his grandparents home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
It was the second memorial service for Bush, who was remembered Wednesday at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., with humor and emotion as a kind man of high character who loved his family, his country and a good joke.
Bush died Friday night at his Texas home at the age of 94.
Updates:
5:28 p.m. ET Dec. 6: To the burial site
The family is following the casket to the burial site as a band plays the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
5:17 p.m. ET Dec. 6: At the library
The casket, family and friends have arrived at the presidential library. Navy jets are flying overhead.
4:57 p.m. ET Dec. 6: The hearse is leaving
Bush’s body has been placed in the hearse and it is being taken to its burial place at the George H.W. Bush Museum. The burial will be private.
4:41 p.m. ET Dec. 6: Train arrives at College Station
The train carrying former President George H.W. Bush has arrived at College Station, Texas, where Bush will be interred.
It is raining at College Station. The family is now getting off the train. The road to the station is lined with cadets in uniform. The casket is being removed from the train by an honor guard. It is wrapped in plastic to protect the flag and casket from the rain.
2:03 p.m. ET Dec. 6: The train is leaving the station
The train has left Spring, Texas, enroute to College Station.
1:37 p.m. ET Dec. 6: Casket is being loaded on the train
The train engine that will take Bush to College Station was renovated in 2005. Per his request, it was painted the colors of Air Force One. It has been in storage since then, waiting to be used for what it is being used for today.
1:35 p.m. ET Dec. 6: The hearse has arrived at the train station
It is raining heavily at the Union Pacific Railroad facility in Spring, Texas, as the motorcade arrives at the station.
12:31 p.m. ET Dec. 6: The hearse has left for the train station
A motorcade is headed to the train station where it will take around two hours to get to College Station by train.
12:21 p.m. ET Dec. 6: The family has left the church
The family has left the church and is following the former president’s body to the train station.
12:16 p.m. ET Dec. 6: The casket is removed from the church
An honor guard is removing the former president’s casket from St. Martin’s Church. Bush’s remains will be taken to a specially-designed train car which will carry the casket to College Station, Texas, where he will be buried at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library.
12:13 p.m. ET Dec. 6: The blessing and a hymn
Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, bishop of The Episcopal Church of Texas, is offering the blessing, and the hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers” is being sung.
12:05 p.m. ET Dec. 6: Prayers for the People
Rev. Peter G. Cheney, chaplain of St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport, Maine, and Rev. Dr. Susannah E. McBay of St. Martin's Episcopal Church are leading prayers. “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” is being performed by the church’s choir.
11:59 a.m. ET Dec. 6: The Apostle’s Creed
The congregation is standing, saying the Apostle’s Creed. Reba McEntire is singing “The Lords Prayer.”
11:57 a.m. ET Dec. 6: “We’re here sir, as we told you we would be”
The Oak Ridge Boys are singing “Amazing Grace.”
11:55 a.m. ET Dec. 6: “What is heaven like?”
Levenson says Bush once asked him, “What do you think heaven is like?” He says he imagines for Bush that Barbara Bush and their daughter, Robin, welcomed him with “We adore you.”
11:48 a.m. ET Dec. 6: The homily begins
Rev. Russell Levenson, Jr. is offering the homily and tells mourners that it is ok to cry because it honors the person who has passed.
11:42 a.m. ET Dec. 6: The Gospel
Rev. Martin J. Bastian of St. Martin's Episcopal Church is reading John 11:21-27.
11:38 a.m. ET Dec. 6: A second reading
Georgia Grace Koch and Nancy Ellis LeBlond Sosa, two of Bush’s granddaughters, are reading from 1 Corinthians 12:31- 13:13
11:31 a.m. ET Dec. 6: George P. Bush is speaking
Bush’s oldest grandson recalls the time he spent with this grandfather. Says Bush talked “trash talk” during horseshoe throwing games. “He challenged all the grandkids to the coveted ‘first to go to sleep’ award,” he said.
11:25 a.m. ET Dec. 6: Baker recounts Bush’s triumphs in office
Baker says Bush’s deeds “testify to a life nobly lived.” He says his wish for a kinder, gentler nation was truly what Bush believed.
11:19 a.m. ET Dec. 6: James Baker is speaking
Former Secretary of State James Baker, Bush’s best friend, is remembering his friend. He begins with an apology, saying he will brag about his friend even though he knows Bush would not want that.
11:17 a.m. ET Dec. 6: The readings
Bush granddaughters are reading from the Bible. Marshall Lloyd Bush reads from Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-33. Barbara Pierce Bush, Noelle Lucila Bush and Elizabeth Dwen Andrews read the 23rd Psalm.
11:14 a.m. ET Dec. 6: The national anthem
The congregation sings the “Star-Spangled Banner” as Bush’s casket is put in place at the front of the church.
11:09 a.m. ET Dec. 6: The reception of the body
The Rev. Russell Levenson Jr. offers a prayer as the casket is brought into the church.
11:05 a.m. ET Dec. 6: Music begins the ceremony
After the congregation sings, “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies,” the St. Martin’s Parish Choir is singing, "This is My Country.”
10:59 a.m. ET Dec. 6: Bush’s children are being seated
“America the Beautiful” if being performed as Bush’s children and their spouses are going to their seats.
10:57 a.m. ET Dec. 6: The family is being seated now
The family is being seated as the organ plays “Amazing Grace.”
10:55 a.m. ET Dec. 6: Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire arrive
The Oak Ridge Boys will be singing at the ceremony, as will Reba McEntire.
10:39 a.m. ET Dec. 6: The family is beginning to come into the church
Some members of the Bush family are already in the church. All the guests are seated and awaiting the start of the service.
10:20 a.m. ET Dec. 6: Guests are arriving at the Church in Houston
People are being seated in St. Martin’s Episcopal Church as the services are set to begin in about 40 minutes.
Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is there, as are athletes J.J. Watt, and Yao Ming. Actor Chuck Norris is also in the crowd.
9:20 a.m. ET Dec. 6: Baker, Bush’s grandson to offer eulogies
More than 1,200 guests are expected to attend Bush’s funeral service in Houston. James Baker, Bush’s friend of more than 60 years, and his grandson, George P. Bush, will deliver eulogies at the funeral.
Bush’s grandsons will be honorary pallbearers and six of his granddaughters will speak at the ceremony.
8 a.m. ET Dec. 6: The schedule for Thursday’s services
Here is the schedule of events for Thursday’s services for Bush:
- 10 a.m. CT — Funeral service at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston
- 11:15 a.m. CT — Departure ceremony at the church
- 12:30 p.m. CT — A train carrying Bush's body will depart from the Union Pacific Railroad Westfield Auto Facility for College Station, Texas
- 3:45 p.m. CT — The train is expected to arrive at Texas A&M University in College Station
- 4:15 p.m. CT — Arrival and interment at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station.
5:19 p.m. CT Dec. 5: “Hail to the Chief” and a 21-gun salute
As the casket is removed from the plane, “Hail to the Chief” is played amid a 21-gun salute. The hymn “Abide With Me” is being played by the band.
5:15 p.m. CT Dec. 5: Friends and family are coming off the plane
The family and Bush’s friends are exiting the plane as a military honor guard awaits the former president’s casket.
5:08 p.m CT Dec. 5: Headed to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
The president’s casket will be taken to St. Martin’s Eiscopal Church in Houston. Bush’s body will lie in repose at the church. The public will be able to pay their respects at the church.
4:58 p.m. CT Dec. 5: Returned to Texas
The plane carrying the body of George H.W. Bush has touched down at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. A second memorial service will be held in Houston on Thursday.
2:27 p.m. ET Dec. 5: Headed to Texas
Special Mission 41 has taken off from Joint Base Andrews and is on the way to Houston.
2:08 p.m. ET Dec. 5: Motorcade arrives at Joint Base Andrews
The departure ceremony has begun. The band is playing “Goin’ Home,” as Bush leaves Washington D.C. for the last time. Some of the lyrics of “Goin’ Home,”
Going home, going home
I am going home
Quiet like, some still day
I am going home
It's not far, just close by
Through an open door
Work all done, care laid by
Never fear no more
Mother's there expecting me
Father's waiting too
Lots of faces gathered there
All the friends I knew
I'm just going home
1:05 p.m. ET Dec. 5: Back to Texas
A military honor guard is taking Bush’s casket out of the National Cathedral. Bush’s body wil be transported to Houston for a second service to take place on Thursday at 11 a.m.
1:03 p.m. ET Dec. 5: The benediction
The service is ending and the benediction is being given.
12:58 p.m. ET Dec. 5: Closing prayers and the Navy Hymn
The choir sings “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” known as the Navy Hymn. Bush was a Navy pilot in World War II.
12:54 p.m. ET Dec. 5: Ronan Tynan performs
Tynan sings “The Lord’s Prayer.”
12:50 p.m. ET Dec. 5: Michael Smith performs
Singer Michael W. Smith performs the song “Friends”.
12:46 p.m. ET Dec. 5: An invitation
Levenson says of Bush’s passing, “Perhaps it’s an invitation to fill the void that has been left behind. ... Preach Christ at all times. If necessary use words. ... So, Mr. President, mission complete. Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome to your eternal home, where ceiling and visibility are unlimited, and life goes on forever. Amen.”
12:34 p.m. ET Dec. 5: ‘George H.W. Bush was a good man, a godly man’
Rev. Russell Levenson Jr., of Saint Martins’ Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, is offering the homily. He remembers Bush as a good and godly man. “Never once did I witness anything other than care and concern for those around him.”
12:29 p.m. ET Dec. 5: ‘The best father a son or daughter could have’
Bush mentions his father’s hatred for broccoli, that he married his sweetheart, “he was dedicated to her,” and that as he grew old he enjoyed police show reruns, “volume on high.” He breaks down at the end, saying he was the “Best father a son or daughter could have.”
>> Washington pays a final tribute to former President George H.W. Bush
12:19 p.m. ET Dec. 5: One president eulogizing another
George W. Bush is the only man in the history of America who has eulogized his father who was also an American president. “He was always busy, but never too busy,” Bush said of his father. He made his children believe anything was possible, Bush said. He never talked about his service in World War II, Bush said. “He looked for the good in each person and usually found it. ...To us, his was the brightest in a thousand points of light.”
12:18 p.m. ET Dec. 5: George W. Bush is speaking
Bush thanks everyone for attending the service.
12:13 p.m. ET Dec. 5: Ronan Tynan solo
Irish tenor Ronan Tynan sings "Last Full Measure of Devotion." “The last full measure of devotion; And though they cannot hear our applause; We honor them forever and keep alive their story; Pay tribute to their lives and give them all the glory”
12:12 p.m. ET Dec. 5: Simpson talks of his friend
Said Simpson: “Those who follow the high road in Washington D.C. are never burdened with heavy traffic. … The most decent and honorable men I ever met was my friend George Bush.”
12:01 p.m. ET Dec. 5: Alan Simpson is speaking
“Relax, you only have 10 minutes,” former Sen. Alan Simpson said that George H.W. Bush told him when he asked him to give a eulogy. Simpson tells several funny stories about times he and Bush had. “He was a class act from birth to death.”
11:49 a.m. ET Dec. 5: Brian Mulroney is speaking
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is offering a tribute. He, too, remembers Bush being shot down over the Pacific. He says no occupant of the Oval Office wil be more honorable than Bush.
11:46 a.m. ET Dec. 5: A second reading
Jenna Bush Hager offers the second reading, Revelation 21:1-4, 23-25.
11:41 a.m. ET Dec. 5: Anthem by the choir
The anthem "The King of love my shepherd is," is being performed by the Cathedral Choir.
11:37 a.m. ET Dec. 5: ‘His heart was steadfast’
Meacham says of Bush, “His tongue may have run amuck at times, but his heart was steadfast.”
11:28 a.m. ET Dec. 5: Jon Meacham is speaking
Jon Meacham, presidential historian and author, is offering a tribute. He recalls the story of when Bush was shot down over the Pacific during World War II. “He felt the weight of responsibility as a nearly physical burden. And he wept.”
11:25 a.m. ET Dec. 5: The service has started
Anthems and a prayer from The Very Reverend Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of the Washington National Cathedral. Lauren Bush Lauren and Ashley Walker Bush read Isaiah 60:1-5, 18-20.
11:14 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: George W. Bush greets former presidents, first ladies
George W. Bush shakes hands and greets the Obamas, Clintons and Carters before he takes his seat in the Cathedral.
11:09 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: Services are starting
After a brief prayer and “Hail to the Chief” being played, Bush’s casket is being moved into the Cathedral.
11 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: Bush’s body has arrived at the National Cathedral
The body of President George H.W. Bush has arrived at the National Cathedral and is being taken from the hearse. His family and friends are standing by, and will follow the casket inside.
10:50 p.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: Trump is seated
President Trump has been seated in the National Cathedral. He spoke to the Obamas.
10:43 p.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: The family
George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara had six children. One child, a daughter named Robin, died of cancer when she was 3 years old. Bush’s surviving children are: sons George W. Bush, 72, Jeb Bush, 65, Neil Bush, 63, and Marvin Bush, 62 and daughter Dorothy Bush Koch, 59. Bush had 17 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two siblings.
10:33 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: Former presidents at the Cathedral
All the former living presidents, except for George W. Bush, are in the Cathedral now -- Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. President Trump is expected to arrive at any minute.
10:29 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: The hearse is headed to the Cathedral
A motorcade will take the former president’s body to the National Cathedral. The motorcade will go past the White House on the way to the cathedral.
10:20 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: Bush’s children await the casket
All five of Bush’s surviving children are outside of the Capitol as their father’s body is being brought down the building’s front steps.
10:04 a.m ET Dec. 5, 2018: Bush family arrives at the Capitol
A band is moving into place in front of the Capitol as the Bush family gets ready to receive Bush’s body. The band will play “Nearer My God to Thee.”
10 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: Hearse arrives at the Capitol
The hearse has arrived at the U.S. Capitol as the casket has been removed from the Rotunda. The former president’s body will be taken down the Capitol steps to the hearse. A 21-gun salute will be given.
9:49 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: Bush family leaving Blair House
The Bush family will soon leave Blair House where they have been staying to go to the Capitol for the departure ceremony. The former president’s body will be taken by motorcade to the National Cathedral where funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. ET.
9:30 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: More mourners are coming in
Colin Powell is seated in the National Cathedral; former Vice President Joe Biden is walking in; Republian strategist Karl Rove is there. More than 3,000 guests are expected at the Cathedral.
9:11 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: Mourners are arriving at the National Cathedral
Guests are going into the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Journalists Sam Donaldson and Ann Compton were seen walking in. Rudy Giuliani is there, as is Condolezza Rice and former vice president Dick Cheney.
9 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: Trump pays tribute
8:30 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2018: USS Bush pays tribute
Sailors aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) hold a flashlight vigil in honor of the former president and naval aviator namesake.
7 p.m. ET Dec. 4, 2018: Bush family returns to rotunda
The Bush family has returned to the Capitol rotunda to pay their respects to the family patriarch President George H.W. Bush.
President George W. Bush, his wife, Laura Bush and their twin daughters, Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Piece Bush and their husbands, greeted the crowd in the rotunda and paused at the flag-draped casket to remember their father and grandfather,respectively.
Jeb Bush and his family and sister Dorothy Walker Bush Koch, known as Doro, were also there. They greeted friends among the crowd in the rotunda and slowly stopped to honor Bush.
11:30 a.m. ET Dec. 4, 2018: Sully pays respect
Sully the service dog made a visit to the Capitol Rotunda Tuesday where the body of his former companion, George H.W. Bush, is lying in state.
11 a.m. ET Dec. 4, 2018: Trump visiting with Bush family
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump will visit the Bush family at Blair House on Tuesday.
8:35 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Trump, first lady pay respects
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania and other Trump staffers have arrived at the Capitol to pay their respects to former President George H.W. Bush.
Bush is lying in state in the Capitol rotunda until Wednesday morning.
7:15 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Prince Charles to attend funeral
Britain’s Prince Charles is planning to attend the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush, CNN reported.
Queen Elizabeth sent condolences Saturday on Bush’s death, calling him “a great friend and ally of the United Kingdom.”
6:55 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Texas day of mourning
Texas Gov. Greg Abbot announced a day of mourning Wednesday in honor of former President George H.W. Bush.
State agencies will be closed and "general government operations and services shall be maintained by skeletal work crews,’ the Texas Tribune reported.
5:42 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: After the ceremony
The Bush family is leaving the Rotunda and the Capitol grounds. Former President Bush will lie in state until Wednesday morning when his body will be taken to the National Cathedral for a funeral service.
5:34 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Wreaths laid by Senate and House leaders
Sen. McConnell and Sen. Chuck Schumer, (D-New York), lay a wreath from members of the Senate. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, (D-California), and Speaker Ryan present one from House members. Pence and Mrs. Pence present one from the administration.
5:19 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Mike Pence is speaking
Pence recalls that Bush was the first sitting vice president to win the presidency in more than 150 years. “He left America and the world more peaceful, prosperous and secure.” He tells the story of when Bush sent a letter to his son, a U.S. Marine pilot, congratulating him on earning his wings.
5:13 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Paul Ryan is speaking
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan is remembering the first campaign he worked on -- Bush’s campaign for president. “President Bush personified grace.”
5:08 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Mitchel McConnell is speaking
McConnell is offering a tribute to Bush. He describes Bush as “a steady hand staying the course.”
5:03 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: The Capitol ceremony
The service in the Rotunda will include the following:
- Invocation given by the Rev. Patrick J. Conroy, S.J., chaplain, U.S. House of Representatives.
- Tributes given by the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, majority leader of the U.S. Senate and vice president of the United States.
- "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" sung by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club.
- Majority leader of the U.S. Senate, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and the vice president of the United States will place wreaths by the catafalque.
- "America the Beautiful" sung by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club.
- Benediction given by Chaplain Barry C. Black, Chaplain, U.S. Senate.
4:56 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Inside the Capitol
Once the procession enters the Rotunda, the casket will be placed on the Lincoln Catafalque -- a stand that once held President Abraham Lincoln’s casket. The national and presidential colors will be posted. A guard of honor will be posted at the corners of the casket and a brief service will be conducted.
4:52 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Military honors once again
The casket is being removed from the hearse. “Hail to the Chief” and a 21-gun salute is takingn place. President George W. Bush, with his hand over his heart, appears to have tears in his eyes.
4:42 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God’
The family is getting into place to receive the casket. The casket will be carried up the steps to the Rotunda as the U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” plays the hymns, “Fairest Lord Jesus” and “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”
4:39 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Bush’s remains arrive at the Capitol
The Bush family and friends, along with the hearse carrying the former president’s remains have arrived at the Capitol.
4:25 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Vice President Pence arrives
Vice President Pence arrives at the Capitol. He will be speaking later. Supreme Court associated justices are also at the Capitol.
4:07 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Who will be there
When Bush’s body arrives at the Capitol he will be met by:
Mike Pence
Paul Ryan
Mitch McConnell
John Roberts
Supreme Court associated judges
Members of the cabinet
Senators
Congressmen
Governors and other guests
3:55 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: My Country Tis of Thee
As Bush’s casket is loaded into the hearse, the military band plays “My Country Tis of Thee.” The hearse is leaving Andrews, headed toward the Capitol.
3:49 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Arrival ceremony has begun
The casket is being removed from the plane, “Hail to the Chief” is being played and there is a 21-gun salute being given.
3:44 p.m ET Dec. 3, 2018: Family, Friends leave the plane
Family and Friends who accompanied the body of former President Bush to Washington have left the plane and are lining up to watch as the casket is removed. Sully the service dog is among the mourners.
3:35 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Removal of the casket
The casket is being removed from the plane and a military honor guard is getting into place.
Members of his cabinet, led by former Vice President Dan Quayle, will meet Bush’s casket at the Capitol.
3:30 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Arrival ceremony is about to start
A black hearse with the emblem of the president of the United States is awaiting Bush’s casket.
3:20 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Air Force One is landing at Joint Base Andrews
The plane carrying Bush’s body has landed in Maryland. He will be taken to the Capitol this afternoon.
3:11 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Air Force One soon to land in DC
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, is reading a tribute to Bush on the Senate floor.
12:06 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: The plane has departed Ellington Field
Bush’s body and his family members have left Texas.
12:01 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: On the way to Washington
The plane will depart in a few moments and head to Washington where Bush’s body will lie in state for two days. The plane is expected to land around 3:30 p.m. ET at Joint Base Andrews.
11:53 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: The casket is on the plane
The family, led by George W. Bush, is climbing the stairs of Air Force One. Bush turns to wave to the crowd at Ellington Field.
11:50 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Military honors begin
“Hail to the Chief” is being played as a 21-gun salute is fired. Bush’s family is waiting near the plane. “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” the Navy hymn, is being played as the casket is being taken to toward the plane.
11:47 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: All services represented
There are members from each U.S. military service represented in the honor guard.
11:45 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: The casket is being transferred
The casket containing the body of former President Bush is being taken from the hearse by an honor guard.
11:39 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: The motorcade is at Ellington Field
Former President George W. Bush is at Ellington Field to receive his father’s body and escort him to Washington. Bush 41’s other children and grandchildren will travel with his body on Air Force One -- called Special Air Mission 41 today.
11:35 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Sully is headed to Washington
Sully, Bush’s service dog, will fly to Washington with Bush’s body. Sully will be re-assigned to another veteran with disabilities.
11:30 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: He was a veteran
Bush served in World War II. He was a pilot and was shot down over the Pacific.
11:27 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Color guard is in place
The miliary is awaiting the arrival of President Bush’s body, which should be soon. A military guard is lined up outside of Air Force One. It is windy at Ellington Field and the flag in front of Air Force One is flapping.
11:17 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Military band and honor guard getting ready
A military band is in place and an honor guard is getting ready to receive the former president’s body.
11:15 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: In lieu of flowers
From the Bush family: "The Bush family respectfully asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of President Bush be made to the George Bush Memorial Fund at http://www.georgehwbush.com/memorial_fund.html.
Individuals who wish to honor President Bush by dedicating a day of serving others may find guidance and local opportunities at www.pointsoflight.org."
11:04 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Who will speak at the funeral
Former President George W. Bush, historian Jon Meacham, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and former Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyoming, will eulogize Bush on Wednesday at his funeral service in Washington
10:50 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Motorcade is heading to Ellington Field
Bush’s body is in a motorcade that is headed to Ellington Field. His family will be there when his body arrives. A 21-gun salute is scheduled before the plane heads to Washington. As the motorcade heads through Houston, people are stopping on the interstate as the hearse passes.
10:40 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Leaving the funeral home
The body of former President Bush has left the funeral home and is on the way to Ellington Field in Houston.
10:04 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Last presidential funeral was Ford’s
The last state funeral for a former president was for Gerald Ford. Ford died the day after Christmas in 2006. His funeral was on Jan. 2, 2007. George H.W. Bush gave a eulogy at Ford’s funeral.
9:45 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2018: Bush’s body headed to D.C.
Air Force One will be transporting Bush’s remains to Washington D.C. President Donald Trump authorized the use of the plane. Bush’s body will be brought to the Capitol where he will lie in state until his funeral on Wednesday.
Related stories:
George H.W. Bush: Political world reacts to death of former president
George H.W. Bush: Cartoons depict touching family reunion
'I am rooting hard for you:' read George H.W. Bush's 1993 letter to Bill Clinton
About the Author
