Watching a family mourn a patriarch's passing is usually reserved for those who knew him or the family well. Passers-by who appear too interested may border on the voyeuristic. But watching the Bush family made it apparent that this week was something altogether different.
The Bush family is a great American family that long ago traded anonymity for the opportunity to serve the public. That trade was on full display this week when the family invited us all into their world for a time so that we could mourn the passing and celebrate the life of George H.W. Bush, an exemplary American. I was fortunate enough to be at Wednesday's state funeral to feel both the solemnity of the moment and the gratitude for a life well-lived.
Most in attendance actually knew the man personally. I watched the parade of present and former policy leaders, Bush-Quayle alumni and close friends as they exchanged stories about their fondest memories or their last encounter with 41. I was struck by the sight of so many people who have had such a major impact upon our world filing in, filing out, jostling for seats, managing their coats, and straining to see, just like normal people. They were all no different than you and me; they were fallible people who simply worked on big topics.
However, those watching from all over the world felt as if they knew him, too. For a spell, time seemed to stand still so we could all be together — to laugh, to cry, to remember. Partisanship took a break. He was bringing people together, even in his final act.
The Bushes have their family for sure; but they are also part of our family. For the past 100 years, there has been a Bush serving this country. President George H.W. Bush's father, Prescott Bush, served in the U.S. Army from 1917-1919 before later serving in the U.S. Senate from 1952-62.
Most adults today would not know of a time when there wasn't someone named Bush in the public eye. They have been there for us. The latest generation of that family still is, and they are not assuming roles out of a sense of entitlement, but rather duty, motivated by service.
This week, as a nation, we were there for them. Whether in one of the grand cathedrals where services were held, paying respects in the Capitol rotunda, lining the streets to salute a passing motorcade, waving at a passing train, or watching the almost nonstop TV coverage from afar, our presence was embracing their kin. As we did so, we were collectively thanking them for their commitment to this wonderful country.
Kenneth Hersh is chief executive of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. He wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.
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