Sign NC's Book of Condolences for President George H.W. Bush

President Bush works at his desk in the Oval Office as Mrs. Bush looks at photographs on the table behind the Oval Office desk. Source: US National Archives. Photo by Susan Biddle

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has ordered a “Book of Condolences” to be placed at the North Carolina State Capitol for members of the public to sign in remembrance of President George H.W. Bush, who passed away on November 30, 2018 at his home in Texas.

The book rests on a table at the foot of the George Washington statue in the Capitol Rotunda, and members of the public are invited to sign the book and add brief written condolences for President George H.W. Bush’s family. The book will be available through December 12, 2018.

Governor Cooper will send the book to the Bush family on behalf of the people of North Carolina. Said Governor Cooper:

“President George H.W. Bush was a true statesman dedicated to serving the country he loved and leading the charge for a more compassionate and united world. We are grateful for his commitment to patriotism and public service. May his legacy inspire all of us to work toward a kinder and gentler nation, and may our thoughts and prayers bring comfort to his family.”

The State Capitol is located at 1 East Edenton Street, Raleigh NC. The State Capital is open to the public Monday through Saturday, 9am-5pm.

On December 1, 2018, the Governor issued an order flags flown at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff in honor and remembrance of President George H.W. Bush. By U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, §7, flags are to remain at half-staff for a period of 30 days. Flags will return to full-staff on December 31, 2018 at sunrise.

President Bush walks on the South Lawn of the White House, followed by first-dog Millie and her puppies. Source: US National Archives. Photographer unnamed.

George H.W. Bush served as the 41st President of the United States from his inauguration on January 20, 1989, through the end of one term on January 20, 1993. He was 94 years old when he died.

A social media statement posted by 44th President Barack Obama provided condolences, and details of President Bush’s history:

America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Not merely for the years he spent as our forty-first President, but for the more than 70 years he spent in devoted service to the country he loved — from a decorated Naval aviator who nearly gave his life in World War II, to Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces, with plenty of posts along the way. Ambassador to the United Nations. Director of Central Intelligence. U.S. Envoy to China. Vice President of the United States.

George H.W. Bush’s life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling. And he did tremendous good along the journey. Expanding America’s promise to new immigrants and people with disabilities. Reducing the scourge of nuclear weapons and building a broad international coalition to expel a dictator from Kuwait. And when democratic revolutions bloomed across Eastern Europe, it was his steady, diplomatic hand that made possible an achievement once thought anything but — ending the Cold War without firing a shot.

It’s a legacy of service that may never be matched, even though he’d want all of us to try.

After seventy-three years of marriage, George and Barbara Bush are together again now, two points of light that never dimmed, two points of light that ignited countless others with their example — the example of a man who, even after commanding the world’s mightiest military, once said “I got more of a kick out of being one of the founders of the YMCA in Midland, Texas back in 1952 than almost anything I’ve done.”

What a testament to the qualities that make this country great. Service to others. Commitment to leaving behind something better. Sacrifice in the name of lifting this country closer to its founding ideals. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family tonight — and all who were inspired by George and Barbara’s example.

The President’s remains will lie in state in Washington, DC where the public may pay their respects.

On December 2, 2018, the U.S. Secret Service released their plan for the George H.W. Bush State Funeral. On Monday, December 3, 2018, the motorcade transported the remains from Joint Base Andrews to the US Capitol. On Wednesday, December 5, 2018, the Secret Service will oversee the motorcade from the U.S. Capitol and the Washington National Cathedral, then back to Joint Base Andrews. Following which, George H.W. Bush will be laid to rest in his home state of Texas.

Sources: Ford Porter, NC Office of the Governor; NC Department of Administration; and US Secret Service