Happy Birthday, Mr. President
Born on this date in 1924, the forty-first president of the United States today received an honorary degree from Dartmouth College. The citation:
GEORGE HERBERT WALKER BUSH, your life of public service began early. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor you delayed college to become, at 18, the youngest aviator in the Navy, flying 58 combat missions. During one mission, your aircraft was struck by flak. With your engine aflame, you completed your bombing run first before you ditched in the Pacific. After the War you graduated from Yale—and then declined the security of the East Coast for the life of a wildcatter in the oil fields of West Texas. When your ventures prospered, you sold your share of the business, dedicating yourself to what would become one of the most distinguished careers of public service in the history of this Republic.
Member of Congress. Ambassador to the United Nations. Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Chief of the United States Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China. Director of Central Intelligence. Vice President of the United States. President of the United States.
You worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to enact landmark legislation, including the Clean Air Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. As the Cold War came to an end, you negotiated the reunification of Germany and extended support to elected governments throughout Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. In 1990, you signed into law the Clery Act, which brought national attention to sexual assault, and paved the way for all colleges to become safer and more just.
"I have just repeated…the oath taken by George Washington," you said during your inaugural address, "and the Bible on which I placed my hand is the Bible on which he placed his."
Like Washington, you command our gratitude not only for your accomplishments, but also for your example: love of country, devotion to family, integrity, and selflessness. In the magnificent life of the forty-first President of the United States of America, Dartmouth will forever join all Americans in finding a source of inspiration and courage.
George Herbert Walker Bush, in recognition of your fearless contributions to the military effort during World War II and your tangible impact on a post-Cold War Europe, Dartmouth proudly awards you the honorary degree Doctor of Laws.
Here, a couple of iPhone shots. In one, the missus and I greet my old boss. In another, yours truly talks with Mrs. Bush while her husband chats with another honorary degree recipient, Conan O'Brien.
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Jun '10
Re: Happy Birthday, Mr. President
And like many good decent men, GHWB was a crier, a sentimental "fool" you could say. He cried for others, and for days long past, but not for himself. John Boehner is in good company in that respect. It's the men who never cry that you should worry about.
May '10
Re: Happy Birthday, Mr. President
Fredrick Lincoln Booth would be proud!!!
May '10
Re: Happy Birthday, Mr. President
First vote I ever cast (so old). And a proud one. Happy birthday to a grand old gentleman.
Mar '11
Re: Happy Birthday, Mr. President
Congratulations indeed! I have nothing but respect and admiration for GHWB (though we don't always agree).
Apr '11
Re: Happy Birthday, Mr. President
GHWB is a truly great American and as honest and decent a man as ever held high office in this country. I came across this quote recently - significant because of its source: Bill Clinton. The two former presidents became close after Bush 43 asked them to work together on fundraising for Katrina. Clinton said: "I literally came to love him, and I realized all over again how much energy we waste fighting with each other over things that don't matter," Clinton said. "He can do no wrong in my eyes."
Jun '10
Re: Happy Birthday, Mr. President
I just have to ask......what's the deal with those crazy socks President Bush is wearing?
Clinton said. "He can do no wrong in my eyes."
Yet Hilary wastes no opportunity to trash GWB's administraion.
May '10
Re: Happy Birthday, Mr. President
I love how Mrs. Bush smiles as she says, "Back off, biographer. You have had your two minutes with my husband."
If President Bush received a Doctor of Laws, what honorary degree did Conan get?
Re: Happy Birthday, Mr. President
Doctor of Humane Letters.