PresidentDonald Trumpplans to attendGeorge H.W. Bush‘s funeral and mark Wednesday as a national day of mourning after the former Presidentdied on Friday at age 94.
“The President and First Lady will attend the funeral for President George H.W. Bush at theNational Cathedral in Washington,” theWhite Housetweeted on Saturday.
“A state funeral is being arranged with all of the accompanying support and honors,” Press SecretarySarah Huckabee Sanderssaid in a statement, according toThe Washington Post.
After former First Lady Barbara Bushdied in April, Trumpdid not attend her funeral, while First LadyMelania Trumpdid attend. In September, Trumpdid not attendSen.John McCain‘sfuneral, where former PresidentBarack Obamaand former PresidentGeorge W. Bushspoke.
In a presidential proclamation, Trump declared that Dec. 5 would be dedicated to Bush’s memory.
“I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President George H.W. Bush,” the proclamation said. “I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”
The proclamation also called for United States flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and across the country for 30 days in honor of Bush.
Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush.Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP; Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Trump declined to hold a press conference after attending the G20 summit in Argentina due to Bush’s death.
“I was very much looking forward to having a press conference just prior to leaving Argentina because we have had such great success in our dealing with various countries and their leaders at the G20,” he tweeted on Saturday.
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“However, out of respect for the Bush Family and former President George H.W. Bush we will wait until after the funeral to have a press conference,” he added.
On Saturday, Trump tweeted in remembrance of Bush.
In a statement, the Trumps wrote about Bush’s legacy,including Bush’s signature phrase about volunteerism, “a thousand points of light,” that Trumphad ridiculed at a rally in July.
“Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service — to be, in his words, ‘a thousand points of light’ illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world,” the statement read.
“With sound judgement, common sense, and unflappable leadership, President Bush guided our Nation, and the world, to a peaceful and victorious conclusion of the Cold War,” the statement continued. “As President, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed. And through all that he accomplished, he remained humble, following the quiet call to service that gave him a clear sense of direction.”
source: people.com
