State funeral for George H. W. Bush
In the presence of numerous heads of state and government from around the world, the United States of America has paid its last respects to President George H.W. Bush. Chancellor Angela Merkel also attended the state funeral in Washington D.C.
1 min reading time
A guard of honour carries the casket bearing George H.W. Bush into the National Cathedral
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The United States of America has lost a great patriot and a great statesman, Chancellor Angela Merkel wrote in a letter of condolence to President Donald Trump. The news of the death of former President George H.W. Bush filled her with great sorrow, said Chancellor Angela Merkel. Germany has much to be grateful to him for, she added. George H.W. Bush died on Friday evening (30 November) at the age of 94.
"It was a stroke of luck in German history that he led the United States of America when the Cold War began to thaw and German reunification became possible," said the Chancellor. "He was a true friend of the German people. He realised the importance of this historic hour and he placed his trust in us and gave us his support."
She continued, "The courageous and peaceful revolution of the people to the East of the Iron Curtain thus combined with the courage and skill of a statesman who, with others, led Europe and the transatlantic partnership through this period of upheaval, ushering in a new era."
During his presidency, Germany experienced "the strength and the reliability of German-American friendship".
George Bush was born on 12 June 1924 in Milton, Massachusetts. He was the 41st President of the United States of America, and held office from 1989 to 1993. He died on 30 November 2018 in Houston, Texas.