Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement on the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush:

“President George Herbert Walker Bush was a patriot who dedicated his life to serving our nation. Beginning in his teens when he enlisted as a Naval Aviator during World War II, service that led him to being shot down over the Pacific, he always put country first. During his time as Vice President and later President, he was an impressive world leader advancing our values abroad and helping end the Cold War. Personally, I will never forget gathering a group of friends to go see President Bush at a campaign rally in my hometown of Gastonia during his 1992 reelection campaign.
 
“Beyond his service to our country, President Bush was a tremendous father and role model for all Americans. Alongside his beloved wife Barbara, he raised a wonderful family and throughout his political career, President Bush led with such decency, always treating political allies and rivals with the same level of respect. Giulia and I join the rest of a grateful nation in praying for the entire Bush family as they mourn the passing of a true statesman.”