[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 1, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRST LADY BARBARA PIERCE BUSH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2018

  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of First Lady 
Barbara Pierce Bush.
  As our nation mourns the loss of a true patriot, an advocate for 
families, a treasured First Lady, a dedicated wife, mother and 
grandmother, we also take the time to remember the legacy Barbara Bush 
left behind.
  Barbara Bush was born in New York City in 1925 to Pauline and Marvin 
Pierce.
  She went on to marry her beloved husband, George H.W. Bush in 1945. 
The two recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary early this 
year. Mrs. Bush devotedly stood by her husband's side though his 
military service and later supported him as he entered public service 
and ascended the presidency.
  As First Lady, moved to action by her own experience as a mother to a 
child with dyslexia, she used her influence to highlight the importance 
of family literacy. She championed this cause across our nation, 
helping to raise over $110 million to support family literacy programs 
through the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
  Dedicated to her mission to end the generational cycle of illiteracy, 
she advocated for the passage of the National Literacy Act of 1991, 
which established the National Institute for Literacy and allowed 
libraries to serve as educational literacy center for adults.
  Among her big achievements was to set an example of humility and hard 
work for her family.
  In her own words, Mrs. Bush wrote, ``I want to be known as a wife, a 
mother, a grandmother . . . that's what I am. And I'd like to be known 
as someone who really cared about people . . .''
  Our nation grieves with President George H.W. Bush and the entire 
Bush family. Our hearts are heavy, but we are grateful that we were 
privileged enough to bear witness to her message of grace, civility, 
and patriotism. She was a true gift to our nation.
  I honor the incredible life and legacy of First Lady Barbara Bush.

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