The Official Portrait of George W. Bush
Earlier this week on Thursday, May 31, 2012, President Barack Obama was joined at the White House by former Presidents George W. Bush and his father, George H. W. Bush for the unveiling of George W. Bush's official portrait. The ceremony took place in the East Room and it was a very cordial ceremony in which politicial differences were set aside. The Obamas thanked their predecessors for their service to the nation and for helping them out during the transition period.
In personal tributes to the 43rd president and his wife, Laura, both President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama expressed their appreciation for the example set by the Bush family during their eight years in the White House and the guidance and help provided during the transition. President Obama said:
"George, you went out of your way, to make sure the transition to new administration was as seamless as possible. I'll always be grateful for that."
Obama continued, citing Bush's strength and resolve that reassured the nation after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the anti-terrorism efforts begun in the Bush administration which helped bring the primary national security achievement of Obama's presidency: the killing of Osama bin Laden. He added:
"After three-and-a-half years in office and more gray hair, I have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the men before me, including President Bush. You can't make everyone happy, I think that's something President Bush and I learned pretty quickly... We may have our differences politically, but the presidency transcends those differences."
Laura Bush also had her official portrait unveiled. The Bushes thanked the Obamas for their hospitality in hosting the event that included lunch with the Bush family, including both former presidents and first ladies as well as former first daughters Jenna and Barbara. They also made a point of thanking the White House and administration staff during their eight years in Washington. Bush shouted "sit down" to cut off a lengthy standing ovation when it was his turn to speak.
Bush joked that he hoped President Obama will find reassurance because, when walking the White House halls at night mulling over a major problem, "you'll now be able to gaze at this portrait and ask 'What would George do?' "
Mrs. Bush also drew a big laugh when she said in reference to the new paintings that "nothing makes a house a home like having portraits of its former occupants staring down at you."
In the most emotional moment, Bush's voice cracked a little as he said of his father -- the nation's 41st president -- that he was honored the portrait would be "hanging near a man who gave me the greatest gift possible, unconditional love, and that would be No. 41."
When Michelle Obama rose to speak, she began by saying: "I don't think we have enough tissue to go around. Jenna and Barbara, they're just a mess," she added in reference to the Bush daughters. The Obamas made a point of thanking the Bush twins for the guidance they provided the Obama daughters, with Obama noting his two girls have followed the advice to make loyal friends and slide down the bannisters.
The portraits by John Howard Sanden show Bush standing in the Oval Office, while Mrs. Bush, wearing a midnight blue gown, is in the Green Room that she helped refurbish.
Following is a YouTube video of some of the remarks from the ceremony, many of which are quite funny:
A longer version of the remarks can be found here.
In personal tributes to the 43rd president and his wife, Laura, both President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama expressed their appreciation for the example set by the Bush family during their eight years in the White House and the guidance and help provided during the transition. President Obama said:
"George, you went out of your way, to make sure the transition to new administration was as seamless as possible. I'll always be grateful for that."
Obama continued, citing Bush's strength and resolve that reassured the nation after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the anti-terrorism efforts begun in the Bush administration which helped bring the primary national security achievement of Obama's presidency: the killing of Osama bin Laden. He added:
"After three-and-a-half years in office and more gray hair, I have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the men before me, including President Bush. You can't make everyone happy, I think that's something President Bush and I learned pretty quickly... We may have our differences politically, but the presidency transcends those differences."
Laura Bush also had her official portrait unveiled. The Bushes thanked the Obamas for their hospitality in hosting the event that included lunch with the Bush family, including both former presidents and first ladies as well as former first daughters Jenna and Barbara. They also made a point of thanking the White House and administration staff during their eight years in Washington. Bush shouted "sit down" to cut off a lengthy standing ovation when it was his turn to speak.
Bush joked that he hoped President Obama will find reassurance because, when walking the White House halls at night mulling over a major problem, "you'll now be able to gaze at this portrait and ask 'What would George do?' "
Mrs. Bush also drew a big laugh when she said in reference to the new paintings that "nothing makes a house a home like having portraits of its former occupants staring down at you."
In the most emotional moment, Bush's voice cracked a little as he said of his father -- the nation's 41st president -- that he was honored the portrait would be "hanging near a man who gave me the greatest gift possible, unconditional love, and that would be No. 41."
When Michelle Obama rose to speak, she began by saying: "I don't think we have enough tissue to go around. Jenna and Barbara, they're just a mess," she added in reference to the Bush daughters. The Obamas made a point of thanking the Bush twins for the guidance they provided the Obama daughters, with Obama noting his two girls have followed the advice to make loyal friends and slide down the bannisters.
The portraits by John Howard Sanden show Bush standing in the Oval Office, while Mrs. Bush, wearing a midnight blue gown, is in the Green Room that she helped refurbish.
Following is a YouTube video of some of the remarks from the ceremony, many of which are quite funny:
A longer version of the remarks can be found here.