Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed that Wednesday, December 5, 2018, shall be an official Day of Mourning in Texas in honor of President George H.W. Bush.  In his proclamation, the Governor encouraged Texans to “gather, assemble, and pay their respects to the memory of George Herbert Walker Bush through ceremonies in homes, businesses, public buildings, schools, places of worship, or other appropriate places for public expression of grief and remembrance.”   

President Bush’s life was characterized by dedicated public service, including serving as one of the youngest aviators in the U.S. Navy during World War II, a United States Representative from Texas, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office with the People’s Republic of China, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and two terms as Vice President of the United States before he was elected as the 41st President of the United States. In retirement, President Bush worked tirelessly with other presidents on humanitarian efforts and to urge bipartisan unity on important issues facing the nation.

In honor of President Bush, The University of Texas at Arlington will observe a moment of silence at 10:00 a.m. today.  Additionally, students, faculty and staff who wish to attend local events honoring President Bush are authorized to take time off during the day, with approval of their professors, instructors or supervisors.