George W. Bush Delivers Eulogy for Dick Cheney, Praising His Devotion to the U.S.

Honoring a Vice President and Friend

• 💬 George W. Bush delivered a eulogy for his former Vice President, Dick Cheney, whom he proudly called his friend.
• 💖 Bush acknowledged Cheney's gratitude for his wife, Lynn, and their four daughters, who shared his purposeful life and adventures.
• 🇺🇸 He noted that many Americans share the Cheney family's sense of loss and are present as friends.

The Vice Presidential Selection Process

• 🎯 In 2000, Bush sought a Vice President with preparedness, mature judgment, rectitude, and loyalty, someone who could step into the presidency without ambition for it.
• 🤝 After extensive deliberation, Bush realized the best choice was Cheney himself, who, instead of jumping at the chance, analyzed the reasons why he shouldn't be chosen.
• 🗣️ Bush's father supported the decision, stating, "Son, you couldn't pick a better man."

Cheney's Career and Character

• 🌟 Cheney's abilities were self-evident, marked by restraint, talent, and a solid, reliable nature that preceded his national stage presence.
• 💼 His career, from laying transmission lines to serving as White House Chief of Staff and Secretary of Defense, was characterized by a pattern of opportunities leading to new roles.
• 🏛️ Working for President Gerald Ford, Cheney was known for his steadiness, low-key style, and absolute loyalty, traits not easily found in Washington.
• 👂 Unlike many in politics, Cheney was a thinker and listener, measured with words, whose disciplined mind commanded respect from colleagues, legislators, and foreign leaders.

Public Service and Re-election

• 🗳️ Cheney never lost an election, running for Congress in 1978 alongside Bush.
• 🏔️ Bush wished more Americans knew the approachable, courteous, and equal-seeing gentleman from the West that Wyoming voters knew.
• 🏆 Bush chose Cheney as his Vice President twice, reaffirming his decision in 2004 after observing Cheney's handling of responsibility, pressure, and criticism.

Devotion to Country and Legacy

• 🎖️ Cheney was described as a Vice President totally devoted to protecting the United States and its interests, with no agenda beyond that.
• 🩺 His memoir, "My Time," reflected an "old breed of public servant" defined by substance and character, with his greatest concerns being for his country.
• ❤️ Despite facing fears and hardships, including cardiovascular disease, Cheney's reward was a life richer than expected, including his family and grandchildren.
• 🤝 In reflection, Cheney valued friendships most, indicating a life well-lived. His service is honored, and his mark on lives is considered fine.