George HW Bush Dead at age 94

C'est Moi said:
I didn't realize there would be a ceremony today. Very touching as they brought the casket into the Rotunda.
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Yes, much pomp & circumstance. Interesting to watch. He is only the 18th person to lie in state. Most recent was Sen. McCain
 

Marie5656 said:
Yes, much pomp & circumstance. Interesting to watch. He is only the 18th person to lie in state. Most recent was Sen. McCain
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I learned a new word today while watching... "catafalque". Apparently that's the name for the platform where the coffin is displayed, and the one used for Bush was also used for Abraham Lincoln.

"Abraham Lincoln's catafalque, hastily designed and built in 1865 by Commissioner of Public Buildings Benjamin Baker French, is a nailed-together platform of rough pine boards about 7 feet long, raised about 3 feet off the ground and covered with a black cloth drapery. After Lincoln's funeral, the catafalque was permanently stored in Washington's Tomb. This space, a tiny cell two floors below the Rotunda, had lain vacant since 1832, when plans to disinter the first president from his resting place in Mount Vernon fell through.

Stored under glass, the catafalque is brought out exclusively to hold the caskets of extremely illustrious Americans, usually in the Capitol Rotunda."
 
The other eulogists speaking at Pres Bush funeral on Weds are former Canadian Prime minster,Brian Mulroney,former Sen Alan Simpson from Wyoming,both men were friends of Bush 41 and Presidential historian&biographer,Jon Meacham Bush's biographer.He also spoke at Barbara Bush's service Sue
 

I thought everything yesterday (the procession, speeches, etc) was extremely well done. Though I couldn't help but notice that it appeared that 'W' was chewing gum or something, lol.
 
I had heard that Dan Quayle (his VP) was to be among those meeting his body at the Capital. I looked, but did not see him. C'est Moi, did you? I would guess he will be at the funeral tomorrow.
 
Marie5656 said:
I had heard that Dan Quayle (his VP) was to be among those meeting his body at the Capital. I looked, but did not see him. C'est Moi, did you? I would guess he will be at the funeral tomorrow.
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I didn't see Quayle either, Marie. I was glad to see Colin Powell looking well, though.

I just saw a notice that the USPS will "suspend regular deliveries" on Wednesday as a National Day of Mourning. I don't remember that being done before.


ETA--apparently Quayle was there; here's a photo of him with Cheney...

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C'est Moi said:
I didn't see Quayle either, Marie. I was glad to see Colin Powell looking well, though.

I just saw a notice that the USPS will "suspend regular deliveries" on Wednesday as a National Day of Mourning. I don't remember that being done before.
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I did hear that federal offices would be closed. And schools. I know we were given a day off school the day of JFKs funeral
 
Do not mean to sound cold but......

Way to much pomp & ceremony, IMO. No matter who it is, or what their political affiliation may be.......jmo
 
rgp said:
Do not mean to sound cold but......

Way to much pomp & ceremony, IMO. No matter who it is, or what their political affiliation may be.......jmo
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He was the President of the United States, and is due this "pomp and ceremony." Respecting the man's life is bi-partisan.
 
It was hard for me to watch once the funeral started in the Cathedral. I had to turn the channel and didn't turn back until it was Geoge W. eulogizing his father right at the end. And that really hit me. It just reminds me of all our losses and the inevitable ones.
 
I'm watching the ceremony; it has been beautiful so far. I'm impressed that the honor guard carrying the casket can maintain the level of the casket while carrying it up and down stairs... such as in front of the Capitol Building.
 
C'est Moi said:
I'm watching the ceremony; it has been beautiful so far. I'm impressed that the honor guard carrying the casket can maintain the level of the casket while carrying it up and down stairs... such as in front of the Capitol Building.
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My husband told me that one "rule" is that they are all of the same height, which, I guess makes it easier to carry it safely.

I wonder about those 3 big black vans in the motorcade. I wonder what they carry
 
Marie5656 said:
My husband told me that one "rule" is that they are all of the same height, which, I guess makes it easier to carry it safely.

I wonder about those 3 big black vans in the motorcade. I wonder what they carry
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They did appear to be of similar height, though I can't see how that would matter when the guys with one end of the casket might be 3 or 4 steps lower than the other end!! The casket never leaned or tilted; they held it level all the way up and down those steps.

I was wondering about those vans, too.
 
I watched the service,found it at times quite emotional.
A nice gesture by Pres Bush shaking hands with all the Presidents before the service started. I notice he slipped a piece of candy into Michelle Obama's hand
I especially liked what Presidential historian,Jon Mecham had to say, and retired Sen,Alan Simpson{R,WY} his great sense of humor
I figured Pres Bush would break down at the end,it was tough to watch Sue
 
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George H.W. Bush with his wife, Barbara, and son George in Rye, N.Y., during the summer of 1955. (AP)

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President George W. Bush waves as he walks out of the Oval Office with his father, former president George H. W. Bush, in 2008. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images)
 
It was a very touching ceremony. I got very choked up when Bush spoke, especially when he broke down, and also when Dole struggled to stand and salute.

C'est Moi said:
I'm watching the ceremony; it has been beautiful so far. I'm impressed that the honor guard carrying the casket can maintain the level of the casket while carrying it up and down stairs... such as in front of the Capitol Building.
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I held my breath as they did the stairs. In my head I was saying "don't trip don't trip don't trip" over and over again. I am always horrified at the idea of a very grand or solemn or otherwise portentous moment being marred by some human failing. I don't know why but it stresses me out a lot.
 
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