All 5 living US presidents and first ladies attend George H.W. Bush's funeral service
All five living U.S presidents and their spouses were present to honor the late George H.W. Bush at his funeral service in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.
George HW Bush Funeral To Bring Out World Leaders and Former Presidents. All five living U.S. presidents will attend the funeral for the 41st chief executive at the National Cathedral in Washington. #USPolitics #Politics https://t.co/th4Q2pCTBK
— The Inquisitr (@theinquisitr) December 5, 2018
The Washington National Cathedral played host to a slew of world leaders from all over the world, including all the past and present presidents of the United States.
George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States, is being honored with a state funeral which is attended by the current president, all former presidents, and world leaders. #Bush41
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) December 5, 2018
Former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter all sat on the first pew with their respective first ladies, Michelle Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Rosalynn Carter.
The deceased’s son, George W. Bush, who is also a past president, was also present but sat with the rest of his family.
All living presidents will attend the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush today.@ChrisCuomo has details on the national day of mourning from the National Cathedral. https://t.co/ZdMZzjtSnO pic.twitter.com/lLhXOWgYhW
— New Day (@NewDay) December 5, 2018
The current president Donald Trump and his wife Melania came in after the rest were seated and shook hands with the Obamas before taking their places at the end of the pew.
As seen on a live feed from the ceremony, the Trumps did not acknowledge former President Clinton and his wife and while the former president simply wore an amused smile, Hillary, who lost to Trump in the 2016 presidential election, reportedly ignored their presence.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at the Washington National Cathedral for the state funeral of former President George H.W. Bush
— CNN (@CNN) December 5, 2018
Watch live on CNN
Stream: https://t.co/UYpqI3w42L
Follow live updates: https://t.co/5rlRUMXz9h pic.twitter.com/36HuMLGbpy
Bush also came in later to welcome all the presidents and their first ladies. His handshake for Michelle was a special affair, however. Bush reached into his pocket for a candy which he handed to the former First Lady.
Michelle and Barack could not hide their amusement, especially since it was only three months ago that Bush and Michelle went viral for the same thing.
Bush, 72, eulogized his late father with heartwarming words, describing him as a man of “integrity.”
“[He] showed me what it means to be a president that serves with integrity, leads with courage and acts with love in his heart for the citizens of our country.”
As of Monday morning, all living Presidents are expected to attend Bush's funeral on Wednesday https://t.co/1WOwF5LY29
— WNEM TV5 (@WNEMTV5news) December 3, 2018
The ceremony also had in attendance other dignitaries like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prince Charles, Polish President Andrzej Duda, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, and Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, among others.
After the state funeral, Bush’s body was flown to his presidential library at Texas A&M University where he will be laid to rest beside Barbara Bush, his wife who died in April, and their daughter, Robin, who died of leukemia at the age of three.
All 5 Living Presidents and First Ladies Attend George H.W. Bush's Service at National Cathedral https://t.co/1OU5tMeHuL
— People (@people) December 5, 2018
The late president died on November 30 in his Houston home. He was 94 years old.