Laura Bush, the former first lady and wife of former President George W. Bush, said she was touched by current first lady Melania Trump’s invitation to the White House.
On Dec. 4, they the Trumps joined the Bushes at the Blair House in Washington D.C.
Laura Bush posted photos on Instagram of the Bushes gathered around under a portrait of the 41st president, draped in black cloth.
“A sweet visit during this somber week,” she said. “Thanks to Mrs. Trump for inviting our family to the White House to see the Christmas decorations and our old friends, the residence staff.”
Both Trump and Melania Trump have been “really gracious,” noting that the first lady gave former first lady Laura Bush and 19 other Bush family members a tour at the White House.
“What people want to talk about is, ‘Well, why isn’t the president giving the eulogy?’ It’s because we have a unique circumstance here. My brother was president,” Jeb said. “I’m sorry,” he added. “First dibs.”
On Dec. 5, Bush’s plane, which often serves as Air Force One, arrived at Ellington Field outside Houston in late afternoon. As a motorcade subsequently carried Bush’s remains to the family church, St. Martin’s Episcopal, along a closed interstate, hundreds of people in stopped cars on the other side of the road took pictures and shot cell phone video, according to AP.
One driver of a tanker truck climbed atop the hulking vehicle for a better view, and at least 15 firefighters scaled a pair of stopped firetrucks to salute. Upon its arrival at the church, Bush’s casket was met by a military band and Houston Democratic Mayor Sylvester Turner.
George W. Bush broke down briefly at the end of his eulogy while invoking the daughter his parents lost in 1953 and his mother, who died in April. He said he took comfort in knowing “Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom’s hand again.”
