Legion commander: ‘President Bush admired by troops, world leaders around the globe’

The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization, American Legion National Commander Brett P. Reistad, issued the following statement regarding the passing of former President George H.W. Bush:

“The American Legion is saddened by the passing of a great Legionnaire, former President George H.W. Bush. His stoic leadership during the Gulf War was admired by not just the troops that he led, but by world leaders around the globe. As a young man he served heroically in World War II. It marked the beginning of an entire lifetime dedicated to public service. He inspired Americans to give back to their communities with his ‘Thousand Points of Light’ program.

"The American Legion was proud to present our highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal, to President Bush in 1991. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bush family and his many friends.”