George H.W. Bush died November 30, less than 8 months after the death of his wife of 73 years Barbara Bush in April. The former president was 94 years old making him the longest lived U.S. president in history. “Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died,” his son, former President George W. Bush, said in a statement released by family spokesman Jim McGrath. “George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”

George H.W. Bush was born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the armed forces when he turned 18 and was the youngest pilot in the Navy when he received his wings. He flew 58 combat missions during World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action.

Following WWII, Bush turned his energy to completing his education at Yale University and toward his family. He married Barbara Pierce in January of 1945, and they had six children, George, Robin, John called Jeb, Neil, Marvin and Dorothy. Unfortunately, Robin died as a child.

George H.W. Bush entered public service and politics in 1966 when he was elected to serve as a Representative from the 7^th congressional district. In 1980, he was elected to an even higher office when he was tapped by Ronald Reagan to serve as his running mate and Vice President. In 1988, George H.W. Bush ran for the presidency and defeated Michael Dukakis in the election.

George H.W. Bush served the American people during a dramatically changing time as the Communist empire failed, the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union dissolved. He was also Commander in Chief when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Under George H.W. Bush’s leadership, 425,000 American troops and 118,000 troops from allied nations defeated Iraq’s massive army in what would come to be called Desert Storm.

The U.S. grieves the loss of a former president and flags everywhere are flying at half-mast in mourning as people across the nation express their condolences to the Bush family.