George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Rededication Ceremony

This past weekend a special event took place in College Station, Texas complete with a former president and his first lady, their children, a well known general, and a slew of other important political figures. College Station is an unassuming town just north of Houston on Highway 6, which just so happens to be home to a great tourist attraction, The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. On Saturday, November 10, George Bush, Sr., accompanied by his wife, were the honored guests at the ten year reopening and rededication ceremonies at his prestigious library. Those sitting next to the pair atop the podium were Jim Nantz, who officiated, General Scowcroft, Warren Finch, director of the library, and Texas A&M University student body president, Conner Prochaska.

As everyone took their seats the excitement began to build, as most of the guests and the public had probably never before seen a president of the United States. We could hear the roar of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band as they played, hidden behind the building. After that came the harmonious melodies of Aggieland's Singing Cadets. The crowd was hushed as Jim Nantz got up to speak, with no sign yet of the former president and first lady. His opening remarks seemed to take awhile because of the anticipation of the honored guests, but after a few minutes Mr. Nantz informed us that we would have to wait on the president because there was a surprise in store for us. The Army's Golden Knights were going to do a parachute drop. Not only that, but former President Bush was to be the last man to jump from the plane! We heard gasps of delight at this newfound knowledge, glad to be witnessing what might be his last parachute jump, even though the the last jump was supposed to be the last jump. Due to some cloudy and windy weather the crowd waited and waited with apprehension rising. Finally, we saw the first parachuter fall from the plane. Down, down, down he came, coming to land gracefully on the ground just like a bird landing on a pond. Down came the other men, 2,4, 10, 12, and finally 14 and 15, as Bush was parachuting tandem. Down they fell, with much exhilaration I'm sure. As they got closer we could see four legs dangling below the 'chute. Closer and closer he came until we could see him smiling and waving proudly, pretty confident he was the only eighty-three year old man jumping out of a plane that day. As they landed the crowd erupted with applause and hoots and hollers for this daring feat. We watched as Barbara made her way over to her husband probably hoping that this REALLY was his last jump. I don't recall if they embraced, but each was glad he made it down alive to be sure.

Off went the pair for his quick wardrobe change, while Jim Nance again entertained the crowd with his quick wit. Sports casting has taught him a thing or two in keeping a crowd appeased. Finally, all was in order and Mr. and Mrs. Bush took their place next to General Scowcroft. Each honored guest on the podium spoke in turn about how special this man was to them and what a great day it was to be reopening his library after its eight million dollar renovation (all private funds). A wonderful day indeed for them and for those in the crowd witnessing, many for the first time, the fanfare that goes about when a president, or in this case former president, is being honored.

As Mr. Bush took the stage in front of friends, family, and supporters he was gracious in recognizing what a wonderful job those who worked on the redesign did, telling the crowd his mama always taught him not to focus on himself too much. "George, you're talking about yourself too much again," she'd say. He told a humorous anecdote about how Patricia Burchfield, assistant director and curator, all but took the clothes off his back trying to obtain them for the redesign, and reassuring us all the he wasn't crazy for jumping out of a plane stated, "just because you're eighty-three doesn't mean you have to sit around drooling on yourself." As his speech neared its close another exciting moment happened, albeit at the wrong time. High above everyone's heads came four military jets screeching past in formation, unknowingly interrupting the president, while we all stood there staring up at the heavens, mouths agape like surprised children. I had been waiting expectantly for that moment with my camera in hand, but due to it happening so quickly I could only snap a fleeting shot. After the roar of the jets quieted Bush finished his speech for which the crowd cheered appreciatively.

Truly it was an inspiring day for all those in attendance and all those who were honored with their hard work in redesigning the permanent exhibit. If you have never had the opportunity to hear President Bush speak, or the opportunity to meet him, he is quite a funny man. His wife is quite humorous herself. Don't let their nickname for her, "the enforcer," fool you too much, though undoubtedly deserved. Whether you agreed with George Bush's policies or not, his decisions are a part of history and those preserving it deserve accolades for their work. Indeed, I can't speak for all, but I assume most people left that day feeling proud of this little gem that sits next to the Texas A&M campus and humbled that it was there that this former President of the United States chose to place his library.