Swan To Attend President Bush’s Funeral In USA
American leaders will be joined by people from around the world as former President George H.W. Bush is laid to rest this week, with former Premier Sir John Swan set to attend the funeral.
Sir John had a decades long friendship with the former U.S. President, and the Bush family invited the island’s elder statesman to attend the invitation only state funeral, which will be held on Wednesday [Dec 5] at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington DC.
Calling him a “man of great integrity,” Sir John Swan told Bernews that he first met President Bush when he was serving as the Vice President, and got to know him over the years.
“He had a commitment to endeavours of all human beings, he was a conservative with a social responsibility, and a man for all seasons and all people,” Sir John said.
President Bush passed away on Friday at the age of 94, and a full slate of events is being held in the United States to pay tribute to the 41st President.
President Bush’s casket is moved from Texas to the US Capitol today, where his body will lie in state
Fortune reports,”The four-day tribute will start on Monday morning with a departure ceremony held at the Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston at 11:30 a.m. Bush’s remains will then be transferred to Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where an arrival ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m.
“Bush’s remains will be transported to the U.S. Capitol on Monday afternoon, where another arrival ceremony will be held starting at 4:45 p.m, and will involve both the House and Senate. Bush’s body will remain there in the rotunda, where the public can pay their respects from Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. until Wednesday morning at 8:45 a.m.”
NBC News report, “Mourners at the Washington services will be led by President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, the first lady. Bush’s family, including his son George W. Bush, the 43rd president, and former first lady Laura Bush will be prominent.
“Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be there, along with former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who canceled two European appearances this week to attend.”
The presidential plane, temporarily renamed Special Air Mission 41 in honor of the 41st president of the United States, will return the former president to Texas on Wednesday after he has lain in state in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.
President Bush will be interred next to his wife Barbara, and his daughter Robin.