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Bush has been remembered all week by former presidents and citizens alike, and his memorial service occurred on Wednesday, December 5.

George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States passed away on Friday, November 30. Bush served as vice president to Reagan during his eight year term from 1981 to 1989, and was president from 1989 to 1993. He is survived by six children, including former president George W. Bush and 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush.   

Bush enlisted in the U.S. navy in 1942 and became a decorated officer, garnering experience and developing his character that became much appreciated down the road. Many still acknowledge his respectable makeup, even if they disagree with his political ideology.

“I don’t agree with some of the political decisions he made, but I still think he is an admirable American figure,” junior Damir Pimenov said.

His political legacy was cemented with a victory over Iraq in the Gulf War, moderating the split of the Soviet Union in 1991, and the reunification of Germany in 1990. He is well renowned for accomplishing a great deal despite only serving as president for one four year term.

“George H. W. Bush was the best one-term president the country has ever had, and one of the most underrated presidents of all time. He possessed the classic virtues of our civilization and of his faith,” James Baker, former secretary of state under Bush, said.

Bush represented a definitively conservative voice in his generation, but as polarization has seen a sharp rise in recent years, he is now viewed as a moderate.

“His death made me sad for our country and where it’s going. Despite this, I feel like George H.W. Bush has left quite the mark on our country as a whole and he exemplified what is means to be American,” junior Teddy New said.