facebook-pixel

Presidents, others praise former President George H.W. Bush

Praise for former President George H.W. Bush, who died Friday:

FILE - In this April 21, 2018 file photo, former Presidents George W. Bush, left, and George H.W. Bush arrive at St. Martin's Episcopal Church for a funeral service for former first lady Barbara Bush, in Houston. Bush has died at age 94. Family spokesman Jim McGrath says Bush died shortly after 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, about eight months after the death of his wife, Barbara Bush. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

[He] “was a man of the highest character. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41′s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad.” — Former President George W. Bush

Former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally in support of Democratic candidates, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

"George H.W. Bush's life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling. And he did tremendous good along the journey." — Former President Barack Obama.

FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2011, file photo, veteran Associated Press writer Michael Graczyk, right, asks questions to former President George H.W. Bush, left, and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, as they talk about the Gulf War and liberation of Kuwait, during an interview in Houston. Graczyk, who witnessed and chronicled more than 400 executions as a criminal justice reporter in Texas, will retire Tuesday, July 31, 2018, after 45 years. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

"The legacy of George H.W. Bush will be forever etched in the history of America and the world. It is a lifelong record of selfless patriotic service to our nation." — James A. Baker III, secretary of state in the Bush administration.

President Donald Trump talks with reporters before traveling to the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, in Washington. Trump and Nancy Pelosi haven’t talked in days, not since he called to congratulate her on Democrats’ election night when. But they don’t really need to. The two go way back, from before he was president or she was speaker. Not quite friends, nor enemies, theirs is now perhaps the most important relationship in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service_to be, in his words, "a thousand points of light" illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world." — President Donald Trump.

Former Republican President George H.W. Bush, left, and former President Bill Clinton, visiting Bush, pose for a photo with Sully, a yellow Labrador retriever who'll be Bush's first service dog at his home in Kennebunkport, Maine, Monday, June 25, 2018. The 94-year-old and his new companion got acquainted Monday at the Bush family compound on the coast of Maine. (Evan F. Sisley/Office of George Bush via AP)

"I will be forever grateful for the friendship we formed. From the moment I met him as a young governor invited to his home in Kennebunkport, I was struck by the kindness he showed to Chelsea, by his innate and genuine decency, and by his devotion to Barbara, his children, and their growing brood." — Former President Bill Clinton.

Brent Snowcroft

"The world has lost a great leader; this country has lost one of its best; and I have lost one of my dearest friends. I am heartbroken." — Brent Scowcroft, Bush's national security adviser.

Kuwait's ruling emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah speaks during the opening session of the 8th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. China's President Xi Jinping has pledged more than $23 billion in lines of credit, loans and humanitarian assistance to Arab countries in a major push for influence in the region. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

[George H.W. Bush] tried to “create a new international order based on justice and equality among nations” ... he never “forgot the Kuwaiti people and will remain in their memory.” — Kuwait’s ruling emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah

FILE - This July 26, 2016 file photo shows former head of the Democratic National Committee Donna Brazile speaking during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Brazile says she considered replacing Hillary Clinton as the party’s presidential nominee with then-Vice President Joe Biden. She makes the revelation in a memoir being released Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017. This is according to The Washington Post, which obtained an advance copy of the book. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, file)

"President George H.W. Bush was the real deal. We fought but he was gracious enough to accept my apology. Through his daughter Dorothy, my friends Ron Kaufman and Mary Matalin, I got to know him. Rest in Peace #georgehwbush" — Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile, via Twitter

FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2017 photo, Ellen DeGeneres, winner of the awards for favorite animated movie voice, favorite daytime TV host, and favorite comedic collaboration, speaks at the People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles. Degeneres says she’s “furious” so many black men have been shot by police and “nothing seems to change.” Speaking on her show Friday, April 20, 2018, with CNN’s Van Jones, Degeneres said she’s “ashamed.” (Photo by Vince Bucci/Invision/AP)

"I will never forget George H.W. Bush and President Clinton meeting me in my old hometown of New Orleans to show support and raise money after Hurricane Katrina. I send my love to his family tonight." — Ellen DeGeneres, via Twitter

FILE - In this file photo taken Wednesday, Aug. 1, 1991, U.S. President George H. Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev exchange pens after signing the START arms reduction treaty in the Kremlin, Moscow. Former Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev expressed his "deep condolences" Saturday Dec. 1, 2018, to the family of former U.S President George Bush and all Americans following his death, aged 94. (AP Photo/Boris Yurchenko)

"It was a time of great change, demanding great responsibility from everyone. The result was the end of the Cold War and nuclear arms race. [My wife, Raisa, and I] “deeply appreciated the attention, kindness and simplicity typical of George and Barbara Bush, as well as the rest of their large, friendly family.” — Former Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks at an event marking the beginning of the 60th year of his exile in India, in Dharmsala, India, Saturday, March 31, 2018. The Dalai Lama thanked India for giving shelter to him and said Tibetans have turned their unfortunate circumstances into a path of enlightenment by reviving their spirit and influence wherever they are. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)

"He was in fact the first American President that I was privileged to meet. I recall being deeply touched by your father's concern for the Tibetan people and the situation in Tibet. It is truly admirable to have lived over 94 years. While nothing can replace the loss of a father, we can rejoice in the fact that his was a meaningful life, dedicated to public service. I commend your parents for encouraging their children, including you my dear friend, to devote yourselves to the service of others." — Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement on Brexit to the House of Commons in London, Monday Nov. 26, 2018. May has two-weeks to convince the British public, and a skeptical Parliament, to back the Brexit deal she has struck with the European Union. (House of Commons / PA via AP)

[President George H.W. Bush was] “a great statesman and a true friend of our country” whose “ethos of public service was the guiding thread of his life and an example to us all ... in navigating a peaceful end to the Cold War he made the world a safer place for generations to come.” — British Prime Minister Theresa May

Former British prime ministers Sir John Major, right, and Tony Blair share a platform for the Remain campaign at the University of Ulster in Londonderry. Northern Ireland, Thursday June 9, 2016. Britain's referendum on EU membership will take place on Thursday June 23. (Brian Lawless/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE

[He] “saw America’s obligation to the world and honored it. I feel privileged to have worked with him, and even more privileged that he became a lifelong friend. He was, quite simply, one of the most deep-down decent people I have ever known.” — John Major, British Prime Minister from 1990-1997

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas delivers a speech during the German Foreign Policy Forum in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

"We are mourning a great statesman and a friend of Germany ... (Bush) courageously seized the opportunity to end the Cold War ... he is also an architect of German unity. He supported it from the beginning without reservations. We will never forget that." — Heiko Maas, German foreign minister

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he leaves after addressing the nation on the country's Independence Day from the ramparts of the historical Red Fort in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018. India won independence from British colonialists in 1947. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

"Former President George H. W. Bush was passionate about strong relations between India and USA. His presence will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace." — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, via Twitter

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, center, delivers a formal apology to Australia's victims of child sex abuse in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018. His emotional speech delivered in Parliament before hundreds of survivors followed the conclusions of a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the nations' highest level of inquiry. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

"The President's life was one of service, to his country and to his family ... President Bush was the embodiment of the values of the United States, standing up for what was right and fighting throughout his life for freedom from tyranny and oppression in any guise. In fighting for these values so cherished by both our nations, he was a true friend to Australia and it was Australia's honour to host him at the Australian Parliament in 1991. The President's civility, charm and warmth endeared him to his nation and to people everywhere, making him loved as much as he was admired and respected. We join with the American people to mourn his passing." — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

FILE - In this Sept. 18, 2018, file photo, former President Jimmy Carter speaks as Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams listens on during a news conference to announce her rural health care plan in Plains, Ga. Carter is wading into the final days of a Georgia governor's race that's rife with charges and countercharges of attempted voter fraud and attempted voter suppression. In a letter Carter asked Republican nominee Brian Kemp to resign from his post as Georgia secretary of state. Kemp is locked in a tight race with Democrat Stacey Abrams, whom Carter has endorsed. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

"Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of former President George H.W. Bush. His administration was marked by grace, civility, and social conscience. Through his Points of Light initiative and other projects, he espoused a uniquely American volunteer spirit, fostering bipartisan support for citizen service and inspiring millions to embrace community volunteerism as a cherished responsibility. We again extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bush family." — Former President Jimmy Carter

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

"A distinguished man has passed away. One who served his country for his entire life, with a weapon in his hands during wartime and in high office during peacetime." — Russian leader Vladimir Putin, via the Kremlin website

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks as World Bank President Jim Yong Kim looks on during a press conference at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh, Monday, June 2, 2018. Guterres said Monday that he heard "unimaginable accounts of killing and rape" from Rohingya refugees who have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh since last August to escape violence. (AP Photo)

FILE - In this March 8, 2017 file photo, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a press conference at the U.N. in Nairobi, Kenya. The United Nations said Tuesday, May 1, 2018, it received 54 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation in the first three months of 2018 involving the entire U.N. system and non-governmental groups implementing U.N. programs. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters Tuesday that "combating this scourge, and helping and empowering those who have been scarred by these egregious acts, continue to be key priorities" for Guterres. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi, File)

"Beginning with his posting as United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 1971 and continuing through his appointment as the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the South Asia Earthquake Disaster in 2005, George H. W. Bush worked productively with and through the United Nations. Across the years I was consistently impressed by his compassion, instinct for moderation and commitment to public service." — U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to reporters on a Japanese freelance journalist freed from Syria, at his official residence in Tokyo Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018. A Japanese freelance journalist who was freed after more than three years of captivity in Syria said Wednesday he is safe in neighboring Turkey. (Kyodo News via AP)

"President George H.W. Bush accomplished historic, great achievements by contributing to peace and stability of the international community." — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

South Korean President Moon Jae-in delivers his speech on the government's 2019 budget proposal during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. President Moon said Thursday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will “soon” visit Seoul as part of a flurry of high-profile diplomacy aimed at ridding North Korea of its nuclear weapons. (Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

"He will be long remembered in the hearts of our people for his dedication to world peace and safety while leading the efforts that brought an end to the Cold War and reconciliation between the East and West, and also for his strong efforts to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula and develop the alliance between South Korea and the United States." — South Korean President Moon Jae-in, via Twitter

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU summit at the Europa building in Brussels, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. European Union leaders are gathering to seal an agreement on Britain's departure from the bloc next year, the first time a member country will have left the 28-nation bloc. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

"President Bush's calmness, leadership and close personal relationships with Helmut Kohl and Mikhail Gorbachev were decisive in restoring peace and freedom back to so many people across our Continent. We Europeans will forever remember this." — EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker

German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers a speech during the German Ukrainian Economy Forum in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

"The German people had in him a true friend who recognized the significance of this historic hour and gave us his trust and support." — German Chancellor Angela Merkel

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a signing ceremony for the Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

"President Bush loved his family, loved this country and his legacy will be a lifetime of service to the United States of America." — Vice President Mike Pence

In this Nov. 28, 2018, photo, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., arrives to speak to media at Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, to announce her nomination by House Democrats to lead them in the new Congress. President Donald Trump and Pelosi haven’t talked in days, not since he called to congratulate her on Democrats’ election night when. But they don’t really need to. The two go way back, from before he was president or she was speaker. Not quite friends, nor enemies, theirs is now perhaps the most important relationship in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

"Duty, sacrifice, commitment and patriotism. That is what President Bush preached and what he lived." — U.S. House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi

FILE- In this April 10, 2014, file photo, social activist Julian Bond hugs Luci Baines Johnson, the younger daughter of President Lyndon Baines Johnson after singing "We Shall Overcome" during the Civil Rights Summit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act in Austin, Texas. Bond, a civil rights activist and longtime board chairman of the NAACP, died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. He was 75. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster File)

"One might disagree with a policy or a decision of George Herbert Walker Bush. But no one ever questioned his patriotism, his human decency, his selfless service to his God, country, family, and friends. He represented the best within us." — Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of the late President Lyndon Johnson.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas smiles as he is introduced during an event at the Library of Congress, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

“I was honored to be nominated by him to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. Both he and Mrs. Bush were the essence of decency and kindness then and throughout the years.” — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.