PresidentDonald Trumpmentioned aGeorge H.W. Bushquote that he once ridiculed after the former presidentdied at age 94 on Friday.
In 1988, as thethen-Vice PresidentBush accepted his party’s presidential nomination, Bush called groups that promote service “a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky,”The Wall Street Journalreported.
Bush used the phrase during his campaign and started a Daily Point of Light Award in 1990 for noteworthy volunteers, according to thePoints of Light Foundation.
Michael Norcia/New York Post Archives /(c) NYP Holdings, Inc. via Getty Images
George H.W. Bush in 1988.Shepard Sherbell/CORBIS SABA/Corbis/Getty Images
In a White House statement following Bush’s death, Trump included the phrase to honor Bush.
“Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service — to be, in his words, ‘a thousand points of light’ illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world,” Trump’s statement reads.
On Saturday, the White House announced that Trump plans to attend Bush’s funeral at the National Cathedral and designated Wednesday a national day of mourning.
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“From a letter my grandfather wrote in 1997: a point of light was a vision about serving others, one that lit up our country, one I hope our country hasn’t lost,” Bush Hager said alongside the letter.
Ari Fleischer, who served as former PresidentGeorge W. Bush‘s press secretary, called Trump’s slight “so uncalled for.”
“Going after a 94-year-old, former President’s promotion of volunteerism. I don’t mind potus being a fighter. I do mind him being rude,” Fleischer tweeted.
“With sound judgement, common sense, and unflappable leadership, President Bush guided our Nation, and the world, to a peaceful and victorious conclusion of the Cold War,” Trump’s statement added. “As President, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed. And through all that he accomplished, he remained humble, following the quiet call to service that gave him a clear sense of direction.”
source: people.com
