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PHOTOS: Powerful Images Showcase Nation’s Leaders Honoring 41st President George H.W. Bush

Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images
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By Sara Laughlin
Director of Social Media / Staff Writer

December 5, 2018

In the days since the death of former President George H.W. Bush, many historic speeches, tributes and services have taken place — moments that will no doubt live on in American history.

While we watch it all unfold in real-time, it’s easy to miss the humanity and grief that comes with saying goodbye, not just to a former president, but to a good and humble man of faith who leaves behind an incredible legacy and family. 

Many of these unique and unfiltered emotional moments have been captured in powerful photos. Here are a some of the most moving images from the events honoring George H.W. Bush:

On Monday, Bush’s body was flown to Washington D.C. via Air Force One, and was laid in the Capitol Rotunda. Since then, thousands of mourners have paid their solemn respects to the former leader of the free world.

Photo by Morry Gash - Pool/Getty Images
Members of the Bush family gather near the flag-draped casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state on December 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Morry Gash – Pool/Getty Images)

Among the most notable visitors was fellow World War II veteran and former Senator Bob Dole. In an extremely powerful moment, with a little assistance, the wheelchair bound former Senator stood up to salute the last American president to have served in WWII.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Former Senator Bob Dole stands up and salutes the casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol, December 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

One of the most incredible things to witness has been politicians from all sides of the aisle,  stand together as Americans to pay tribute to the honorable life of George H.W. Bush.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former Secretary of State Colin Powell (C) and former military officials from the Gulf War salute the casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol, December 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Sully, George H.W. Bush’s service dog, was also brought to the capital for a touching final farewell. Although Sully was fairly recent addition to the Bush family, joining the late president after the passing of his wife Barbara Bush, he was always by his side and loyal to the end.  Sully’s mission in serving the late president is complete.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Sully, a yellow Labrador service dog for former President George H. W. Bush, sits near the casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol, December 4, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

 

A funeral service was held Wednesday at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.

Crowds line Pennsylvania Ave. as the motorcade with the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is driven from the Capitol by the White House and on to the state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Brandon – Pool/Getty Images)

In a rare scene, all of the living presidents, including President Donald Trump, sat together to honor George H.W. Bush. Seeing these leaders, many who have campaigned hard against one another, come together, smiling and shaking hands is not a sight to take for granted. It’s a uniquely American moment.

Photo by Alex Brandon - Pool/Getty Images
From left, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter attend the state funeral of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral on December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC.  (Photo by Alex Brandon – Pool/Getty Images)

Eulogies at the service were given by former colleagues in the Senate, faith leaders, grandchildren and, of course, the 43rd president of the United States, George H.W. Bush’s oldest son, George W. Bush.

Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images
Former Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo, speaks during the State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images)

Former President George W. Bush, the first born son of George H.W. Bush greeted his presidential predecessors, and shared a sweet moment with former first lady Michelle Obama.

Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Former U.S. President George W. Bush (C) leans across President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump to greet fellow former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and former first ladies Rosalynn Carter, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama during the state funeral for his father and former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral December 05, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Jenna Bush Hager was among the speakers at her grandfather’s funeral, sweetly touching his casket as she walked back to her seat.

Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images
Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of former President George Bush, touches the casket of former President George H.W. Bush after speaking at his State Funeral at the National Cathedral, December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images)

Clearly emotional, Jenna could be seen squeezing her father’s hand as she walked passed him after speaking.

Former President George Bush clasps hands with his daughter Jenna Bush Hager after she spoke during the state funeral for former U.S. President George H. W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral on December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Alex Brandon – Pool/Getty Images)

Former President George W. Bush and his brother former Florida Governor Jeb Bush were clearly moved by the words said about their father. From laughter to tears, it was powerful to see the lasting impact George H.W. Bush left, not just on his family or the thousands in attendance at the cathedral, but on viewers watching all across the country.

Photo by Alex Brandon - Pool/Getty Images
Former President George W. Bush, right, former first lady Laura Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush attend the State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral on December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Brandon – Pool/Getty Images)

 

Among a long list of notable speakers was, of course, former President George W. Bush, who greatly honored his late father with a stunningly beautiful eulogy. Holding back tears throughout, it wasn’t until he was closing, reminding everyone that, “Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom’s hand again,” that George W. Bush broke down in tears.

The entire nation likely followed suit. 

 

Former U.S. President George W. Bush pauses for a moment while giving a eulogy during the state funeral service of his father, former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC.
Former U.S. President George W. Bush pauses for a moment while giving a eulogy during the state funeral service of his father, former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Kleponis-Pool/Getty Images)

As the 43rd president left the pulpit and passed his father’s casket, he gave it a loving double pat as he walked back to his seat.

Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images
An emotional former President George Bush touches the flag-draped casket of his father, former President George H.W. Bush, after speaking during his State Funeral at the National Cathedral, December 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images)

The 41st president’s body boarded Air Force One a final time following the funeral to make the trip back home to Houston for a second and final memorial service will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston on Thursday.

Former President George W. Bush, Laura Bush and other family members watch as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard to Special Air Mission 41 on December 5, 2018, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Photo by Alex Brandon – Pool/Getty Images)

The late president’s body will then be transported by a motorcade procession to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, where he will be buried next to his late wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, and their daughter Robin.

 

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