Georgians flooded social media with words of condolence and fond memories of former president George H.W. Bush after he died Friday at the age of 94.
Bush was not a Georgian himself, but many remember the lasting mark he left on the state during his presidency and throughout his life.
In a statement Saturday, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R) reminisced about when he served in the U.S. House of Representatives and worked closely with Bush on education legislation including the No Child Left Behind Act.
Dianne and I join with the country and the world to mourn the loss of President George H.W. Bush. Full statement: https://t.co/SH0Am1K4aK pic.twitter.com/fyk02fWbH3
— Johnny Isakson (@SenatorIsakson) December 1, 2018
Bush also campaigned for Isakson while he served as president.
Governor-elect Brian Kemp offered his condolences to the Bush family, calling him an American hero.
President George H. W. Bush was a husband, father, & American hero who devoted his life to public service. Guided by faith & passion, he led our country through difficult seasons. President Bush encouraged volunteerism & fought to protect freedom at home & abroad. (1 of 2) pic.twitter.com/RrE2U70PBT
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) December 1, 2018
Stacey Abrams, Kemp’s Democratic opponent in November’s governor race, also had words of praise for Bush.
God bless the family of President George H.W. Bush, who lived a life of service and decency.
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) December 1, 2018
Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and dean of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, published a lengthy statement detailing the school’s relationship with Bush and his late wife.
Barbara Bush served on the school’s board of trustees during her husband’s presidency.
President Bush worked closely with the school while working to pass legislation to eliminate health disparities in minority communities. He appointed Louis W. Sullivan, Morehouse School’s first president, as Secretary of Health and Human Services. In 1990, his administration passed the Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act.
The Bushes went on to establish the George H.W. and Barbara P. Bush Endowed Professorship at Morehouse School of Medicine.
Sullivan thanked the Bushes for their contributions to the school and commended them for their efforts in their mission to eliminate health disparities in the U.S.
Brian Cafferty is a senior majoring in journalism.
