President George H.W. Bush
MID-HUDSON – Condolences continue to pour in over the passing of
former President George H.W. Bush. He died at age 94 on Friday.
US Senator Charles Schumer said he was “a fine man and even when
he opposed your view, you knew he was doing what he thought was best for
America. His yearning for a kinder and gentler nation seems more needed
now than when he first called for it.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo directed all flags on state government buildings
be flown at half-staff in honor of the president from Tuesday, December
4 until his interment.
Cuomo called Bush “a statesman and patriot who dedicated his life
to serving his country.”
State Republican Chairman Ed Cox said “America is better for his
many significant achievements, especially in the foreign arena with the
successful Gulf War, the peaceful end to the Cold War, the demise of the
Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany.”
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said President Bush “embodied such
decency that even politics and ambition could not overcome it. He was
a good man. He loved his family and his country and worked to keep both
safe and sound. His life sets the standard for the character and patriotism
essential to true public service.”
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said Bush “set an example.
A distinguished statesman, he understood the office he held and nation
he led decency, strength and honor.”
Molinaro said the president “led an anxious world toward greater
peace and sought to highlight the ‘thousand points of light’
that have always made America a beacon of hope and opportunity.”
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said Bush was “a statesman
and a dedicated public servant. He helped lead this country out of the
Cold War with the Soviets almost three decades ago and was the epitome
of a family man.”
Neuhaus said the former president was “a gentleman, earning respect
from his peers in this country and abroad for the way he conducted himself
and how he treated others.”
State Assemblyman and Senator-elect James Skoufis said Bush “was
a great representative of the greatest generation. His decency was always
apparent as was his unquestionable commitment to public service, qualities
that are sorely missed in today’s Washington.”
“President Bush’s life of public service should be an example to
us all; from his days in the Navy to his service as President he demonstrated
a love for country that will not soon be forgotten,” said Rockland
County Executive Edwin Day. “Let us all pause today and think of
how we can continue his legacy; through public service, through compassion
and by leaving something better behind when we have passed.”
