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George HW Bush funeral: Leaders in US to pay respects | George HW Bush funeral: Leaders in US to pay respects |
(about 1 hour later) | |
US and world leaders and dignitaries are at the US National Cathedral in Washington DC to pay their respects at the state funeral of former President George HW Bush. | US and world leaders and dignitaries are at the US National Cathedral in Washington DC to pay their respects at the state funeral of former President George HW Bush. |
The body of Mr Bush, which had been lying in state at the US Capitol, was moved there ahead of the funeral. | The body of Mr Bush, which had been lying in state at the US Capitol, was moved there ahead of the funeral. |
His son, ex-President George W Bush, delivered one of the eulogies. | |
Mr Bush senior, who served as the 41st US president between 1989 and 1993, died on Friday at the age of 94. | Mr Bush senior, who served as the 41st US president between 1989 and 1993, died on Friday at the age of 94. |
He will be buried in his home state of Texas, alongside his wife Barbara. | He will be buried in his home state of Texas, alongside his wife Barbara. |
In his eulogy, George W Bush said his father had taught him that "public service is noble and necessary". | |
"He accepted failure is part of living a full life, but taught us never to be defined by failure. He showed us how setbacks can strengthen," he added. | |
What is happening at the funeral? | What is happening at the funeral? |
The invitation-only funeral at the National Cathedral is being attended by President Donald Trump and his predecessors Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. | The invitation-only funeral at the National Cathedral is being attended by President Donald Trump and his predecessors Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. |
The Prince of Wales, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Jordan's King Abdullah II are among the world figures there to pay their respects. | The Prince of Wales, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Jordan's King Abdullah II are among the world figures there to pay their respects. |
Former leaders, including John Major, who was UK prime minister for most of Mr Bush's term, is also attending. | Former leaders, including John Major, who was UK prime minister for most of Mr Bush's term, is also attending. |
Wednesday has been declared a national day of mourning - many government offices and US stock exchanges are closed. | Wednesday has been declared a national day of mourning - many government offices and US stock exchanges are closed. |
After the funeral, Mr Bush's body will be flown to Texas, where it will lie in public repose until Thursday morning. | After the funeral, Mr Bush's body will be flown to Texas, where it will lie in public repose until Thursday morning. |
There will be a second service before the Bush 4141 - a train which was named in honour of the president - takes his body to its final resting place at the George HW Bush presidential library. | There will be a second service before the Bush 4141 - a train which was named in honour of the president - takes his body to its final resting place at the George HW Bush presidential library. |
Jim McGrath, who was Mr Bush's spokesman, said the president had once wondered if anyone would attend his funeral. | Jim McGrath, who was Mr Bush's spokesman, said the president had once wondered if anyone would attend his funeral. |
What were the tributes? | |
George W Bush, his voice breaking with emotion at the end of his eulogy, said: "Through our tears, let us know the blessings of knowing and loving you. A great and noble man, the best father a son or daughter could have." | |
Presidential historian Jon Meacham described Mr Bush Sr as "America's last great soldier statesman", recounting how he had served as a US Navy pilot in World War Two and survived after his plane was shot down over the Pacific. | |
"His life was a perennial effort to prove himself worthy of his salvation on that distant morning," he said. | |
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney praised Mr Bush Sr's role in navigating the end of the Cold War. | |
"When George Bush was president of the United States of America, every single head of government in the world knew that they were dealing with a gentleman, a genuine leader, one who was distinguished, resolute and brave," he said. | |
Former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson said Mr Bush had a simple credo: "What would we do without family and friends?" | |
Who was Bush Sr and what is his legacy? | Who was Bush Sr and what is his legacy? |
George HW Bush was a decorated fighter pilot in World War Two, a head of the CIA and vice-president to Ronald Reagan before being elected president in 1988. | George HW Bush was a decorated fighter pilot in World War Two, a head of the CIA and vice-president to Ronald Reagan before being elected president in 1988. |
His time in office was dominated by foreign policy - and he was praised for how he navigated the end of the Cold War, and handled the first Gulf War. | His time in office was dominated by foreign policy - and he was praised for how he navigated the end of the Cold War, and handled the first Gulf War. |
However, he was accused of neglecting domestic affairs and, after reneging on a campaign promise not to increase taxes, lost to Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential election. | However, he was accused of neglecting domestic affairs and, after reneging on a campaign promise not to increase taxes, lost to Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential election. |
He has been described as a bipartisan figure who tried to make conservatism "kinder and gentler". | He has been described as a bipartisan figure who tried to make conservatism "kinder and gentler". |
Mr Trump has in the past clashed with the Bush family - and Mr Bush told a historian he voted for Mr Trump's opponent Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. | Mr Trump has in the past clashed with the Bush family - and Mr Bush told a historian he voted for Mr Trump's opponent Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. |
Mr Bush's former White House press secretary, Marlin Fitzwater, told Reuters: "It's important for our presidents to pay respect to each other and I'm glad President Trump will be there." | Mr Bush's former White House press secretary, Marlin Fitzwater, told Reuters: "It's important for our presidents to pay respect to each other and I'm glad President Trump will be there." |