PAWTUCKET – Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement today:

“President George H. W. Bush embodied our country’s highest ideals of service and devotion to a cause greater than yourself. As a young man, who was born into privilege and who came of age during World War II, George Bush was told over and over again to stay in school and let others fight the war for him.”

“Instead, he answered the call to serve. As the youngest pilot in the Navy, he commanded the largest bomber plane in the Pacific fleet. He survived after being shot down and later earned the Air Medal, two Gold Stars, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.”

“At the end of the war, George Bush left his native New England for Texas where he would start a family with his beloved wife, Barbara. After nearly two decades of success in business, he once again felt called to service. Whether a diplomat, Congressman, CIA Director, Vice President, or President, George H. W. Bush always served the country he loved with honor, dignity, and grace.”

“Few Americans will ever know the joys of public service as well as President Bush did. My thoughts are with his entire family today.”