Crew of Namesake Aircraft Carrier Holds Vigil for Former President George H.W. Bush

Sailors on board the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier held a flashlight vigil on Decmeber 2 to mark the death of the man who gave the ship its name – 41st US President George H.W. Bush.

This timelapse footage shows the vigil.

A post on the aircraft carrier’s Facebook page read as follows:

“Avengers, it is with a heavy heart we join the nation in mourning the passing of our namesake and 41st President, George H.W. Bush. A World War II Navy pilot, statesman, and loving father, he is a true example of selfless service to the country, and his legacy will remain a guiding light to all those who serve aboard our great ship that bears his name. In this time of sorrow, we are reminded of one of his life long principles, ‘Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited,’ or CAVU, which as the president described, is meant to wish the best of weather and unlimited possibilities in one’s own life. We will forever honor his memory by carrying on his legacy of service. Fair winds and following seas, Mr. President.”

Bush died on November 30 and his state funeral was held in Washington on December 5. It was attended by former Presidents George W. Bush, his son; Jimmy Carter; Bill Clinton; and Barack Obama as well as current President Donald Trump. Following the state funeral, Bush’s body was taken to Houston, Texas, where a second funeral service will be held on Thursday. He will be buried at his presidential library in College Station. Credit: US Navy/Zachary Wickline via Storyful