George H. W. Bush: A Steward of American Leadership and Service
George Herbert Walker Bush was an exemplar of American leadership and service over more than five decades as a public servant. A 41st President of the United States, a World War II veteran, a congressman, ambassador, a CIA director, vice president and head of the Republican National Committee, Bush’s myriad roles enabled him to embody his spirit of public service. Not only did he venerate public service, he acted accordingly, guiding the country through tumultuous situations while enlarging the scope of America’s place in the world.
Early Years
Born June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts, George H. W. Bush was the son of Prescott Bush, a successful financier and politician who served as a U.S. senator from Connecticut. The Bush family eventually moved to Houston, Texas, where George attended Phillips Academy, excelling in his studies and becoming captain of the varsity baseball team.
Wartime Service and Education
Shortly after his graduation in 1942, Bush decided to forego his plans to attend Yale University, enlisting as a naval aviator during WWII. After completing his training, Bush, who was just 18, flew 58 combat missions over the Pacific and was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.
Bush returned from war to attend Yale, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1948 with a degree in economics, becoming the first member of his family to graduate college. While in college, he met Barbara Pierce, and the two were married a year after Bush’s graduation. He is survived by his five children, including George W. Bush and former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush.
Early Political Career
Bush began his political career as an elected official in Harris County, Texas in the late 1950s, eventually being elected as U.S. Representative from Houston. He then sought a seat in the Senate later, but was defeated. With a keen ambition to serve the public, Bush went on to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in 1971, followed by appointment to Chairman of the Republican National Committee a year later.
Rise to the Presidency
In 1980, Bush sought the Republican presidential nomination and although he was not successful, that same year he was elected Reagan’s Vice President. Eight years later, he set out to earn his own presidency. After a successful campaign, Bush was sworn in as the 41st president of the United States.
Key Presidential Accomplishments
The following list outlines President Bush’s key accomplishments, marking his long and distinguished tenure.
• Modernized the energy industry by enacting the Clean Air Act in 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1991.
• Led the effort to reunite Europe, breaking down the divides of the Cold War.
• In 1989, led the invasion of Panama to oust military dictator Manuel Noriega and restore control to the democratically elected government.
• Signed the landmark North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
• Won the Gulf War, an international effort to restore the sovereignty of Kuwait after it was invaded by Iraq in 1991.
• Enhanced America’s ally relations in Asia, by establishing close links with China and Vietnam.
• Call for the reunification of Germany, formally reunifying the nation in October of 1990.
• Founded the Points of Light Foundation to encourage individuals and communities to bring positive change to the nation and to recognize volunteer service.
Legacy
At the end of his time as president, Bush had earned a reputation as an internationalist and a leader in the art of negotiation and compromise. Although he lost his bid for re-election in 1992, Bush’s chief legacy is the long and distinguished service he rendered to the country for which he loved and served.
George H. W. Bush was a rare national leader who combined intelligence, grace, experience, alacrity and integrity with a passionate love for America. His innovative and inspirational leadership continues to influence generations to come, yet remains a model of service that every patriot should strive for and emulate.
Throughout his lifetime of exemplary service and leadership, George H. W. Bush provided a vision of public service that no one will ever forget.
