After learning that former President George H.W. Bush passed away Friday evening, Iowa Republicans took time to remember the 41st President of the United States.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) offered the following statement:
I join the nation today in honoring our nation’s 41st president, George H.W. Bush. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, a veteran and a true American leader.
Like our forefathers who came before him, George H.W. Bush was committed to furthering the ideals that this country was built upon, in a way that will transcend his life. He showed us that relationships matter, people matter, freedom matters.
When I was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom, all Kuwaitis, especially the police force, were so appreciative of Americans and viewed George H.W. Bush as their savior. His commitment to sharing the American value of freedom and democracy with the Kuwaiti people helped secure America’s partnerships with the region ever since.
We owe so much of our nation’s enduring peace, security and prosperity to George H.W. Bush, and, I personally am ever grateful for his leadership and service to our country.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family during this time.
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) offered condolences:
President George H. W. Bush led an incredible life. He served with distinction as a naval aviator in World War II, flying 58 combat missions. He represented his community and neighbors as a congressman. He built bridges as an American diplomat in China. He helped keep our nation safe as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency. He honorably served as vice president to President Ronald Reagan and then himself led our nation as America’s 41st president. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but for the warmth and kindness he showed to his friends and political opponents alike. President Bush will be missed, but his life and service to our nation will be celebrated. My wife Barbara and I offer our condolences and respect to his family and everyone who mourns his loss.
Congressman David Young (R-Iowa) released the following statement:
President George H.W. Bush defined public service. He selflessly dedicated his entire life to serving our country, and I am thankful for all he has done for the United States. We lost a brave, honest, steadfast, and compassionate statesman. I join so many others in the mourning of his passing, while remembering his earnest words about the importance of America being a kinder and gentler nation.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds offered the following statement after ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff.
America lost a great leader with the passing of George H.W. Bush. A man whose legacy is one of service, statesmanship
and values. (Friday) night, we didn’t just lose a patriot who dedicated his life to serving America, but also a loving husband, fatherand grandfather who now leaves behind a grieving family.
Our hearts and our prayers continue to go out to the Bush family. It is my hope that as a nation, we will remember his legacy and as leaders in public service, we will work to meet the standard he set for many years to come.
Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann released the following statement:
As President, George H.W. Bush led with great compassion during a tumultuous time in our nation’s history. Forty-one implemented foreign policy that saw through the breakup of the Soviet Union and the liberation of Kuwait. Our country, and the world, owe President Bush a debt of gratitude, and we will be forever thankful for the his lifelong service to this nation.
Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa) tweeted: