George Herbert Walker Bush dies at age 94

George Herbert Walker Bush died Friday. He was 94.

The 41st president of the United States helped transition the nation out of the Cold War after taking the oath of office in 1989.

Hear more about Bush’s life and career and reactions to his death on SiriusXM POTUS (Ch. 124).

“The day of the dictator is over,” Bush declared during his inaugural address. “A new breeze is blowing and a nation refreshed by freedom is ready to push on.”

Bush rose to the highest office in the land after serving for two terms as vice president under Ronald Reagan. Twelve years after he took took the oath, his son George Walker Bush was sworn in as the 43rd president.

Born in Milton, Mass., on June 12, 1924, Bush was the second of five children. His father was as U.S. senator from Connecticut for two terms.

On his 18th birthday, Bush enlisted in the U.S military, rising quickly up the ranks and becoming the youngest pilot in the Navy. He served during World War II, where he was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery.

After the war, he married Barbara Pierce in January 1945. They had six children. Sons George and Jeb followed in their father’s footsteps, each serving as governor in their home states and George continuing on to two terms as president.

Prior to his time in the White House, Bush was director for Central Intelligence and served as the chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Bush failed in his re-election bid in 1992 and was succeeded by Bill Clinton.

“America must always come first, so we will get behind this new president and wish him well,” Bush said in his concession speech.

In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Bush the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor.

He celebrated his 80th, 85th and 90th birthdays by skydiving.

His wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, passed away in April 2018.

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