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Last Salute To a President

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When George H.W. Bush campaigned in Tallahassee, we in the press corps were struck by his intelligence, sincerity and sense of humor. Son Jeb served as Florida’s governor, but a “low-energy” label cost him the nomination for president. Looking back, low energy doesn’t seem to be such a bad thing. This tribute is emotional; it’s a difficult time for a mourning nation.

Not party, but character defines a president popularity fades quickly achievements reign longer Presidents Eisenhower to Reagan succession of seven World War II veterans George H.W. Bush the last Men of service earned respect brought dignity to the office true leaders Family man without scandal even-tempered fisherman like Apostles Peter, Andrew, James and John Clean Air Act Americans with Disabilities Act Bush saw as his greatest accomplishments Approval rating of 91 percent after winning Desert Storm admiration proved fleeting Americans “read his lips” felt betrayed when taxes were raised president side-swiped by economic downturn From Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” “The evil that men do lives on; the good is oft interred with their bones so let it be with Caesar…” so not let it be with George H.W. Bush remember him kindly as I always will *Not for a contest

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Curtis Moorman

Date: 2/21/2019 11:14:00 AM

Carolyn, what a great tribute to President Bush. I had the distinct honor to be in a select group of veterans to be addressed by the his son in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee this past October. He talked about his Dad and the great lessons he learned from him. What an honor that was, and a Blessing to hear a son speak so highly of his father. Great tribute by you and President Bush's son.

Sherry Asbury

Date: 12/8/2018 8:57:00 PM

I love broccoli, and I loved him..a good and brave man. He was the last good man of his clan. Such a soul will reign in heaven. You wrote a beautiful tribute.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/8/2018 9:25:00 PM

Thanks, Sherry. His son Jeb was a very good governor in Florida, improving schools, neonatal care and access to school meal programs for underprivileged children. Pres. Bush's sons made him proud.

Sara Kendrick

Date: 12/5/2018 10:19:00 AM

I liked it when he said that he was not going to eat broccoli no matter what anyone said. I will not eat broccoli. I got a chuckle out of that one. He was very strong, disciplined man. I know his family and personal friends will miss his presence. Sara

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/5/2018 10:54:00 AM

If only he hadn't said he ate Belgian Endive. That angered the farming community :) I really love broccoli.

Deb Radke

Date: 12/5/2018 9:40:00 AM

An amazing tribute to a good man. President Bush was forever kind, respectful, clear-minded, just, truthful and brave of heart. He will live on in our memories of the ways in which he touched America. Best wishes, Carolyn.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/5/2018 10:09:00 AM

If only all our leaders had President Bush's integrity. I agree completely with the way you describe his character. I always felt safe when he was at the helm.

Aurore Severo

Date: 12/4/2018 3:41:00 AM

I am not here as much, was "directed" to read this poem and so glad I did! peace and love, xoxoxoxox

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/4/2018 12:15:00 PM

I'm sure the Bush family is comforted by the tributes and services underway now in Washington, Aurore. Thanks for reading. He was a great man!

Constance La France

Date: 12/3/2018 9:28:00 AM

Carolyn, what a great tribute to a man who made America great just by being great himself, so sad about his passing, love your poem ~

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/3/2018 11:13:00 AM

Regardless of what we hear now, I believe America has always been great under the leadership of men like President Bush. Thanks for your kind comments, Dear Heart.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/2/2018 8:16:00 PM

There was the father and the son, I Have a question and will send you a soupie.Thanks so much for the contest and my win. Gosh, so many unexpected things happened today. I got hardly anything done that i had planned!! What a fast weekend. have a good new week,Carolyn.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/2/2018 11:19:00 PM

That contest went so fast my head was spinning. Thanks for your email, Andrea. I corrected the blurb beneath the photo.

Charles Messina

Date: 12/2/2018 7:48:00 AM

What a wonderful tribute to such a great man...this should be sent to the television stations so that they can show it to the world. Absolutely beautiful, Carolyn...Hugs my dear friend :)

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/5/2018 10:10:00 AM

Thank you, Charles. I wish I could share it with George W., Jeb and the rest of the Bush family to try and ease their pain.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 12/2/2018 1:38:00 AM

I believe there is a tribute/article here as well you might like. https://www.facebook.com/standforcanada/

Arthur Vaso

Date: 12/2/2018 1:35:00 AM

You have done him proud, in my humble view he was a GREAT President, he was also a great friend of Canada, he served his Country and he was also a humanitarian, and the Bushes and Clinton's worked together on may good causes. He was a great leader, and your poem is a GREAT tribute to him, its also a fav for me!

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/2/2018 2:26:00 AM

While I worry about the damage our current administration is doing to our relationships with allies like Canada, such concerns never came to mind under Bush and other dignified presidents. My heart goes out to the adoring children and grandchildren he left behind. Thanks for reading, Arthur.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 12/1/2018 7:18:00 PM

This is a very lovely tribute to an honorable man Carolyn. His sense of class and diplomacy were among some of his memorable qualities when I think back on his presidency. He spoke with eloquence and intelligence. I feel happy at the thought of him joining his beloved wife whom I am sure is waiting for him. Beautiful! xxoo : )

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/2/2018 2:23:00 AM

Yes, it was nice having George and Barbara Bush in the White House. She was the most unpretentious first lady and he seemed like the kind of man you would feel privileged to know. I'm sure the loss of his wife a year-and-a-half ago was a hardship for him and I, too, like the thought of them being reunited. Life is so short.

Arturo Michael

Date: 12/1/2018 4:13:00 PM

It's lovely to read your take on an American who had served his country unquestionably...and more than qualified to do so...All the best Carolyn...Honor respect and dignity your write speaks of...

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/1/2018 6:28:00 PM

Thanks, Arturo. The Bushes were a real first family, like the Obamas. Leaders with family values seem to serve us well.

Diane Locksley

Date: 12/1/2018 2:52:00 PM

It is important to remember the accomplishments of such a great man. He was as you described and his loss will be felt not only by his family, but by an entire nation. Just wish we had this type of leadership now. Best, Diane

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/1/2018 3:57:00 PM

Leadership seems hard to find now...

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 12/1/2018 2:44:00 PM

Hi Carolyn, George Bush was a good man, a scandal free president who I understand (as I am not American), did good by his people. Lovely Tribute, xoxo, Jennifer

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/1/2018 3:56:00 PM

Just being scandal-free is a rarity these days, Jennifer. Thanks for reading.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 12/1/2018 2:25:00 PM

Awesome tribute to a great man..He made his nation proud..lovely sentiments in your poem, Carolyn.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/1/2018 6:29:00 PM

Proud, indeed, Vijay. Thanks for reading.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 12/1/2018 1:46:00 PM

Lovely tribute to George Bush snr Carolyn. He served his country well and was a man of honour. Tom.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/1/2018 2:18:00 PM

People of his caliber seem to be a vanishing breed, Tom, though I liked Obama very much too. Thanks for reading.

Jan Allison

Date: 12/1/2018 1:37:00 PM

what a wonderful tribute Carolyn I doubt many would do such a tribute to trump the terrible:-( hugs Jan xx

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/1/2018 2:17:00 PM

I got to meet Bush when he was campaigning in Tallahassee and as a reporter covered his son Jeb who served as Florida's governor for eight years. I love the whole family and my heart goes out to them today.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 12/1/2018 1:17:00 PM

- A lovely tribute to George H.S. Bush, Carolyn - (No salute to the current president ... from money to clown with dementia ) - hugs and happy weekend // Anne-Lise :)

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/1/2018 1:33:00 PM

Thanks for reading, Sunshine. I heard the news late last night and became quite emotional. It was nice to have a classy president. His whole family is to be admired.