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Video/Photos: A Week Of Ceremony And Services For George H.W. Bush

Watch PBS NewsHour replays, coverage and clips from a week of funeral services and remembrance for former President George H.W. Bush, or view a gallery of photos.

View all George H.W. Bush coverage

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After three days of remembrance in Washington, a plane brought Bush's casket for his funeral's closing ceremonies in Houston and burial Thursday at his family plot on the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. 

His final resting place is alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukemia at age 3.

The funeral in Houston on Thursday featured music from some of the former president's favorite country music stars. The Oak Ridge Boys performed "Amazing Grace." Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys says Bush had personally requested that the group sing "Amazing Grace" at his funeral. Allen tells The Tennessean newspaper the band did an impromptu performance for Bush at the White House when Bush was vice president and that began a decades-long friendship. Reba McEntire sang "The Lord's Prayer."

Bush shaped history as 41st president and patriarch of a family that occupied the White House for a dozen years.

More than 11,000 people paid their respects to Bush as his casket lay in repose all night at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, where his family worshipped. Some visitors waited for hours to pay tribute to Bush.

The country said goodbye to him Wednesday in a national funeral service that offered high praise for the last of the presidents to have fought in World War II — and a hefty dose of humor about a man once described as a cross between Mister Rogers and John Wayne.

In the service at Washington National Cathedral, three former presidents and President Donald Trump looked on as George W. Bush eulogized his father as "the brightest of a thousand points of light."

The cathedral service was a tribute to a president, a patriarch and a faded political era that prized military service and public responsibility. It was laced with indirect comparisons to Trump but was not consumed by them, as speakers focused on Bush's public life and character — with plenty of cracks about his goofy side, too.

"He was a man of such great humility," said Alan Simpson, former Republican senator from Wyoming. Those who travel "the high road of humility in Washington, D.C.," he added pointedly, "are not bothered by heavy traffic."

Trump sat with his wife, a trio of ex-presidents and their wives, several of them sharp critics of his presidency and one of them, Hillary Clinton, his 2016 Democratic foe. Apart from courteous nods and some handshakes, there was little interaction between Trump and the others.

George W. Bush broke down briefly at the end of his eulogy while invoking the daughter his parents lost in 1953 his mother, who died in April. He took comfort in knowing "Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom's hand again."

It was a family that occupied the White House for a dozen years — the 41st president defeated after one term, the 43rd serving two. Jeb Bush stepped up to try to extend that run but fell short when Trump won the 2016 Republican primaries.

The elder Bush was "the last great-soldier statesman," historian Jon Meacham said in his eulogy, "our shield" in dangerous times.

But he also said that Bush, campaigning in a crowd in a department store, once shook hands with a mannequin. Rather than flushing in embarrassment, he simply cracked, "Never know. Gotta ask."

Meacham recounted how comedian Dana Carvey once said the key to doing an impersonation of Bush was "Mister Rogers trying to be John Wayne."

None of those words would be a surprise to Bush. Meacham read his eulogy to him, said Bush spokesman Jim McGrath, and Bush responded to it with the crack: "That's a lot about me, Jon."

The congregation at the cathedral, filled with foreign leaders and diplomats, Americans of high office and others touched by Bush's life, rose for the arrival of the casket, accompanied by clergy of faiths from around the world. In their row together, Trump and former Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton stood with their spouses and all placed their hands over their hearts.

Simpson regaled the congregation with stories from his years as Bush's friend in Washington. More seriously, he recalled that when he went through a rough patch in the political game, Bush conspicuously stood by him against the advice of aides. "You would have wanted him on your side," he said.

Simpson said Bush "loved a good joke — the richer the better. And he threw his head back and gave that great laugh, but he never, ever could remember a punchline. And I mean never."

George W. Bush turned the humor back on the acerbic ex-senator, saying of the late president: "He placed great value on a good joke, so he chose Simpson to speak."

Meacham praised Bush's call to volunteerism — his "1,000 points of light" — placing it alongside Abraham Lincoln's call to honor "the better angels of our nature" in the American rhetorical canon. Meacham called those lines "companion verses in America's national hymn."

Trump had mocked "1,000 points of light" last summer at a rally, saying "What the hell is that? Has anyone ever figured that one out? And it was put out by a Republican, wasn't it?"

Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney praised Bush as a strong world leader who helped oversee the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union and helped bring about the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, signed into law by his successor, Clinton.

With Trump, a bitter NAFTA critic, seated in the front row, Mulroney hailed the "largest and richest free trade area in the history of the world." The three countries have agreed on a revised trade agreement pushed by Trump.

On Wednesday morning, a military band played "Hail to the Chief" as Bush's casket was carried down the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where he had lain in state. Family members looked on as servicemen fired off a cannon salute.

His hearse was then driven in a motorcade to the cathedral ceremony, slowing in front of the White House. Bush's route was lined with people much of the way, bundled in winter hats and taking photos.

Waiting for his arrival inside, Trump shook hands with Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who greeted him by saying "Good morning." Trump did not shake hands with Bill and Hillary Clinton, who looked straight ahead.

Bill Clinton and Mrs. Obama smiled and chatted as music played. Carter was seated silently next to Hillary Clinton in the cavernous cathedral. Obama cracked up laughing at someone's quip. Vice President Mike Pence shook Carter's hand.

Trump tweeted Wednesday that the day marked "a celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life." Trump and his wife took their seats after the others, briefly greeting the Obamas seated next to them.

Bush's death makes Carter, also 94 but more than 100 days younger, the oldest living ex-president.

Following the cathedral service, the hearse and a long motorcade drove to the National Mall to pass by the World War II Memorial, a nod to the late president's service as a World War II Navy pilot, then transferred his remains at Joint Base Andrews for the flight home with members of his family.

Trump ordered the federal government closed Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days.

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The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard after it arrived by train, the Union Pacific Locomotive 4141, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in College Station.
Associated Press /
The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard after it arrived by train, the Union Pacific Locomotive 4141, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in College Station.

Firefighters stand on their truck and salute with other attendants on an overpass as the train carrying the body of former president George H.W. Bush, the Union Pacific Locomotive 4141, travels past on the way to Bush's final internment Dec. 6, 2018.
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Firefighters stand on their truck and salute with other attendants on an overpass as the train carrying the body of former president George H.W. Bush, the Union Pacific Locomotive 4141, travels past on the way to Bush's final internment Dec. 6, 2018.

Ryder Davis, 3, watches the memorial train for President George H.W. Bush pass through Pinehurst, Texas, atop the shoulders of his father, 27-year-old Matthew Davis, on Thursday, in Pinehurst, Texas.
Associated Press /
Ryder Davis, 3, watches the memorial train for President George H.W. Bush pass through Pinehurst, Texas, atop the shoulders of his father, 27-year-old Matthew Davis, on Thursday, in Pinehurst, Texas.

Former President George W. Bush embraces former Secretary of State James Baker, right, after he gave a eulogy during the funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Houston.
Associated Press /
Former President George W. Bush embraces former Secretary of State James Baker, right, after he gave a eulogy during the funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Houston.

This photo provided by the University of Texas at Austin shows its tower that lit with "41" in memory of former President George H.W. Bush in Austin, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018.
UT via Associated Press /
This photo provided by the University of Texas at Austin shows its tower that lit with "41" in memory of former President George H.W. Bush in Austin, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018.

Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff salute as the plane carrying the casket of former President George H.W. Bush leaves Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2018.
Associated Press /
Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff salute as the plane carrying the casket of former President George H.W. Bush leaves Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2018.

Former President George W. Bush fights back tears as he speaks during the State Funeral for his father, former President George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.
AP Pool /
Former President George W. Bush fights back tears as he speaks during the State Funeral for his father, former President George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.

Former President George W. Bush walks past President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Michelle Obama and former President Bill Clinton to give a eulogy for his father, former President George H.W. Bush during the State Funeral in Washington, D.C.
AP Pool /
Former President George W. Bush walks past President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Michelle Obama and former President Bill Clinton to give a eulogy for his father, former President George H.W. Bush during the State Funeral in Washington, D.C.

From left, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and former President Bill Clinton listen during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018.
AP Pool /
From left, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and former President Bill Clinton listen during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the State Funeral former President George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.
AP Pool /
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the State Funeral former President George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.

Former President George W. Bush, center, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush, Sharon Bush and Jeb Bush, arrive for the State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.
AP Pool /
Former President George W. Bush, center, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush, Sharon Bush and Jeb Bush, arrive for the State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.

Guests are seated for the funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at St. Martin's Episcopal Church Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Houston.
Associated Press /
Guests are seated for the funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at St. Martin's Episcopal Church Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Former President Jimmy Carter, second from left, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, left, greet former President Bill Clinton as his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, center, greets a guest before George H.W. Bush's funeral.
AP Pool /
Former President Jimmy Carter, second from left, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, left, greet former President Bill Clinton as his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, center, greets a guest before George H.W. Bush's funeral.

Britain's Prince Charles, second from left, back row, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, second from left, bottom row, are shown seated during a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018.
AP Pool /
Britain's Prince Charles, second from left, back row, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, second from left, bottom row, are shown seated during a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018.

The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard into a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.
AP Pool /
The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard into a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger arrives for the State Funeral of former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018.
Associated Press /
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger arrives for the State Funeral of former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018.

People arrive for a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.
AP Pool /
People arrive for a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.

Stephanie Penn, left, and Tiffany Ge watch the flag-draped casket of former President George H. W. Bush carried by a joint services military honor guard down the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.
AP Pool /
Stephanie Penn, left, and Tiffany Ge watch the flag-draped casket of former President George H. W. Bush carried by a joint services military honor guard down the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington.

Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush pause in front of the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state in the Capitol's Rotunda in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.
AP Pool /
Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush pause in front of the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state in the Capitol's Rotunda in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.

Former President George W. Bush, Laura Bush and other family members watch the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018.
AP Pool /
Former President George W. Bush, Laura Bush and other family members watch the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018.

The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard to lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, in Washington.
Associated Press /
The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard to lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, in Washington.

Former Sen. Bob Dole salutes the flag-draped casket containing the remains of former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.
AP Pool /
Former Sen. Bob Dole salutes the flag-draped casket containing the remains of former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pays her last respect to former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.
Associated Press /
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pays her last respect to former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.

Jenna Bush Hager, center, and her husband Henry Hager, left, and her twin sister Barbara Bush, right, pay their respect to their grandfather, former President George H.W. Bush as he lie in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.
AP Pool /
Jenna Bush Hager, center, and her husband Henry Hager, left, and her twin sister Barbara Bush, right, pay their respect to their grandfather, former President George H.W. Bush as he lie in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.

World War II veteran Emory Crowder, 95, center right, pays his last respect to fellow soldier former President George H.W. Bush as he lie in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.
Associated Press /
World War II veteran Emory Crowder, 95, center right, pays his last respect to fellow soldier former President George H.W. Bush as he lie in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.

The Bush family walks past the casket of former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, in Washington.
AP Pool /
The Bush family walks past the casket of former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, in Washington.

KERA News
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