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Remembering President George H.W. Bush

Gallery

  • The Reagans Greet the Bushes and the Quayles at the White House

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    In this photograph taken in 1989, outgoing President Ronald Reagan and his wife, First Lady Nancy Reagan pose with President-elect George H. W. Bush and his wife, First Lady Barbara Bush along with Vice President-elect Dan Quayle and his wife, Marilyn Quayle at the North Portico of the White House.

    George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President and Mrs. Bush Dance at their Inaugural Ball

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    In this photograph taken on January 20, 1989, President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush dance at one of their eleven inaugural balls.

    George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President Bush Talks to Marshall in the Oval Office

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    This photograph by David Valdez shows President Bush with his granddaughter Marshall Walker in the Oval Office.

    George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President Bush Announces General Colin Powell to be Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

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    In this photograph, President George Bush announces General Colin Powell's appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Rose Garden on August 10, 1989. Powell was the first African American to hold the military's highest ranking post. Vice President Dan Quayle is also seen in the background during this historic occasion.

    George Bush Presidential Libraryand Museum/NARA
  • President Bush, Millie, and Puppies on the South Lawn of the White House

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    This photograph by Michael Sargent shows President George H. W. Bush walking across the South Lawn with dog Millie and her puppies.

    George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President George Bush Signs the Americans with Disabilities Act

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    In this photograph taken on July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signs the Americans with the Disabilities Act during a ceremony in the Rose Garden. Sitting beside him from left to right are Evan Kemp, Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Justin Dart, Chairman of the Presidents Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. Standing behind him from left to right are Reverend Harold Wilke and Swift Parrino, Chairperson, National Council on Disability.

    George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • George and Barbara Bush Stand in Front of the Blue Room Christmas Tree

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    This photograph by David Valdez shows President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush standing in front of the Blue Room Christmas tree.

    George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President George H. W. Bush Pardons a Turkey

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    In this photograph, President George H. W. Bush laughs during the turkey pardoning ceremony while his grandson, Sam LeBlond, gets caught in the shot. Presidents and their families have received turkeys for the holidays since the 1870s. The origin of the turkey pardon is said to have started with President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, after he offered a clemency to a turkey purchased for Christmas dinner at his son's request. However, the pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey became a formalized tradition during the Ronald Reagan administration.

    George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • President Bush and Queen Elizabeth at Rose Garden Event

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    This photograph by Joseph H. Bailey shows President George H. W. Bush exchanging gifts with Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in a Rose Garden ceremony.

    White House Historical Association
  • George H. W. Bush

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    This painting by Herbert E. Abrams is President George H. W. Bush's official portrait. He served as president from January 20, 1989 until January 20, 1993. Prior to being elected president, Bush served as a naval aviator during World War II, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and was appointed as United States Ambassador to the United Nations and as the envoy to China. Additionally, he was the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and President Ronald Reagan's vice president. This portrait was officially unveiled at the White House on July 17, 1995.

    White House Collection/White House Historical Association

About this Gallery

The White House Historical Association joins the nation in remembrance of President George Herbert Walker Bush and the character, prudence and leadership be brought to his role as 41st President of the United States. President Bush, along with First Lady Barbara Bush, reactivated the Committee for the Preservation of the White House and helped establish the White House Endowment Trust, which continues to provide financial assistance for acquisitions, refurbishing, and conservation work in the White House collections. As president, Bush brought to the White House a wish for Americans to be “points of light.” He created Points of Light, a foundation to promote the importance of volunteerism, a position that succeeding presidents have acknowledged and shared. Having come from a family with a tradition of public service, Bush felt the responsibility to make his contribution in times of war and peace.

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