WASHINGTON (AP) – The casket carrying the remains of George H.W. Bush has arrived at the U.S. Capitol for the nation to begin its formal farewell to the 41st president.
His remains arrived Monday afternoon at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington aboard an aircraft that often serves as Air Force One. Former President George W. Bush, the eldest of the four Bush sons, and his wife, Laura, along with brother Neil Bush and his family, were aboard the plane for the trip from Houston.
Following a short service Monday afternoon, the president’s remains will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until Wednesday morning.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is comparing the “steady hand” with which President George H.W. Bush kept his bomber under control when it was shot down during World War II with the way he guided the country.
McConnell says Bush “kept us on course” as the Kentucky Republican delivered a eulogy for the late president at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday.
House Speaker Paul Ryan praised George H.W. Bush as a “great patriot,” and the first president he had been able to cast a ballot for as a young man.
Ryan said Monday, “Here lies a great man.”
Vice President Mike Pence says former President George H.W. Bush’s example will always inspire and his lifetime of public service will be enshrined in the hearts of the American people.
Bush died Friday in Houston at age 94. An invitation-only funeral service is set for Wednesday at Washington National Cathedral. President Donald Trump is among the dignitaries who plan to attend.
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