On Thursday, President George Herbert Walker Bush (R) was laid to rest in Texas next to his wife, Barbara, who had died earlier this year. He was 94. On Wednesday a state funeral was held for the 41st President at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. Presidents Jimmy Carter (D), William J. “Bill” Clinton (D), Barack H. Obama (D), Donald J. Trump (R), and George W. Bush (R) all attended, as did members of the Alabama Congressional delegation.
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) said, “Today Annette and I joined Americans across the nation to pay respects to our friend and former President, George H.W. Bush. It was a beautiful service honoring the life of a distinguished, admirable, and impactful leader. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the entire Bush family.”
Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) said, “It was truly an honor to be on hand today at the state funeral of President George H.W. Bush.” “It is a privilege to be in attendance this morning at the National Cathedral here in Washington today as we honor the legacy of a great American.”
Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) said, “I am humbled to be present at the National Cathedral this morning as we honor the remarkable life and legacy of George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States.”
U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Alabama) said, “President George H.W. Bush acted with civility and grace. His legacy will not soon be forgotten.”
“Even with all he accomplished in service to our Nation, President Bush remained humble,” President Trump said. “He never believed that government — even when under his own leadership — could be the source of our Nation’s strength or its greatness. America, he rightly told us, is illuminated by “a thousand points of light,” “ethnic, religious, social, business, labor union, neighborhood, regional and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary and unique” in which Americans serve Americans to build and maintain the greatest Nation on the face of the Earth. President Bush recognized that these communities of people are the true source of America’s strength and vitality.”
After the state funeral in Washington, Bush’s body was flown to Houston, Texas where a memorial service was held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. His body was then transported to College Station on a locomotive, adorned with the colors of Air Force One and named 4141 in honor of him 13 years ago. Pres. Bush, who grew up riding trains, requested that his last ride be on that train. The locomotive was made by Electro-Motive Diesel, a subsidiary of Albertville based Progress Rail.
Congressman Byrne said, “What a cool story! Progress Rail, an Alabama-based company, created a special locomotive just for the 41st President. It will now be used to carry President George H.W. Bush to his final resting place. Glad to see Alabama playing a special role in recognizing this great American.”
The CEO of Progress Rail is Billy Ainsworth, the father of Alabama Lieutenant Governor-elect Will Ainsworth (R).
“Proud of Dad and the entire Progress Rail team,” Lt. Gov. elect Ainsworth said. “What a great story.”
Pres. Bush was buried next to his wife and daughter at his Presidential Library on the campus of Texas A&M University.
(Original reporting by Fox News and the Yellowhammer News contributed to this report.)
