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Politicians, friends and Americans honor the legacy of George H.W. Bush

The New York Daily News - 12/1/2018

Dec. 01--World leaders, celebrities and politicians on both sides of the aisle joined together to honor the legacy of George H.W. Bush, a decorated veteran, beloved republican and the 41st president of the United States.

Former President George W. Bush confirmed his father's death with a statement released through family spokesman Jim McGrath. He remembered him as "a man of the highest character and the best Dad a son or daughter could ask for."

Some of his family followed suit, including Jeb Bush Jr., who said he would forever miss his "Gampy."

Scores of others were quick to chime in with anecdotes and high praise for Bush. Ellen DeGeneres recalled his response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina while Larry King dubbed the former president "the embodiment of service over self."

Actress Goldie Hawn remembered him as an "authentic caring human being."

French President Emmanuel Macron called Bush "a great leader" and a "flawless supporter" in a tweet early Saturday while Germany's foreign minister, Heiko Maas, dubbed him "the architect of German Unity."

"In 1989, as the [Soviet] bloc wavered and decades confrontation began to crumble, #GeorgeHWBush boldly seized the chance to end the Cold War," he said in a tweet. "He, too, is the architect of Germany Unity. WE mourn the loss of a great statesman and a friend of Germany."

Former Soivet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, in a statement to Russian news agency Interfax, said he was a "real partner" and played a key role in ending the Cold War and the nuclear arms race.

In a letter to George W. Bush -- published by the Kremlin on Saturday -- Vladimir Putin echoed the sentiment.

"Leading the United States at one of the most important stages of world history, he showed political wisdom and foresight, sought to make informed decisions even in the most difficult situations," he wrote.

"Aware of the significance of the constructive dialogue between the two major nuclear powers, George Bush Sr. did much to strengthen Russian-American cooperation on international security issues."

The U.S. Navy and Army also honored Bush for his dedication to serving his country. He enlisted in the Navy upon graduation from Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. at the age of 18. He earned his wings just a year later, becoming the youngest Navy fighter pilot at the time.

He nearly died serving in World War II, when his torpedo bombers squadron came under attack near over the Pacific island of Chi Chi Jima. His plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire, forcing him to abandon his aircraft and jump into the ocean.

He was also fondly remembered by each of the Presidents who have come after him, including President Trump, who has on several occasions has lobbed insults at the Bush family.

Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz were also among the scores of politicians honoring the late President.

He also got a ton of love from his beloved Houston.

* Europe

* George H.W. Bush

* George W. Bush

* Jeb Bush

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(c)2018 New York Daily News

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