Member-only story
What Do You See In This Photo From Barbara Bush’s Funeral?
Four ex-presidents, four first ladies. Or, something else?
Like many people, I was impressed and nostalgic when I watched Barbara Bush’s funeral service this weekend.
Impressed, because the Bush family said farewell to Mrs. Bush in a way that she would have approved (in fact, according to her minister, she helped plan the service).
Nostalgic, because of my many ties to the White House and the Republican Party that the family of President George H.W. Bush represents.
I served as an intern in the White House Press Office, and my politically moderate parents were avid Republican Party activists, fund raisers and convention delegates.
Of course, this was when the GOP welcomed a cross section of views and backgrounds, and when it was common for the Republicans and Democrats to work together on the key matters of the day.
Added to that is my interest in presidential history. I love to see the gatherings that bring together former presidents and First Ladies, from library and museum openings to conferences, to sadly, funerals.
I figured there would be ample opportunity at Mrs. Bush’s funeral for views of the former occupants of the White House to be photographed together.