Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Barbara Pierce Bush; 1989 - 1993

Born: 1925

Barbara Pierce enjoyed a happy childhood in affluent Rye, New York. After boarding school and one year at Smith College, she wed high school beau George Bush in 1945, soon after the young naval pilot was shot down over the Pacific. Moving to Texas so George could enter the oil business, Barbara eventually had six children. When her daughter died in 1953, Barbara was shattered, but George helped her through. She was at his side when he went to Congress in 1967 and wherever else he went after that: U.N. Ambassador; Liaison to China; Republican National Committee chair; C.I.A. Director; Vice-President; and President.

Barbara loved her life in politics. In 1974 when China was just opening to outsiders, she explored Peking by bicycle and later lectured on the experience. She volunteered in local hospitals and aided the Republican party. Convinced that most social issues would resolve themselves if children were properly educated, Barbara launched a campaign to eradicate illiteracy when George became Vice-President. She brought the issue with her to the White House and gave it top priority. An enormously popular First Lady, Barbara was blessed with a wry sense of humor and complete self-confidence. She didn't mind her wrinkles or white hair; she loved being a grandmother. Above all, she was genteel, gracious, and discreet -- and for these qualities Americans admired her. Year after year, she led the President in the polls.

Forty-First President
George H.W. Bush

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