Officials mourn Bush
Published 9:10 pm Monday, December 3, 2018
Some offices to be closed Wednesday
A national day of mourning has been called for Wednesday to remember the life of President George H.W. Bush, who died Friday.
President Donald Trump called for the national day of mourning, following the precedent set by past presidents when their predecessors have died.
Virginia officials reacted to Bush’s death with statements about Bush’s strength and character.
“George H.W. Bush was a class act — a person of tremendous strength and moral character who exemplified the values of public service,” said Sen. Mark Warner. “There can be no question that his highest commitment was always to our country and to our values — to justice, freedom and the rights of human beings everywhere.”
Congressman Donald McEachin said, “President Bush was a true American servant, dedicating his life to our country from his service risking his life defending our country’s freedom in World War II, through his time as a CIA director, to U.N. ambassador, to vice president and then president. President Bush was a true American patriot and gentleman. Whether I agreed or disagreed with any specific policies, President Bush always governed by principle, trying to do what he believed to be best for our country and supporting and upholding the Constitution.”
Gov. Ralph Northam said, “President George H.W. Bush led a remarkable life, marked by his devotion to his beloved wife Barbara, commitment to public service, and unwavering decency to others. May we all take a page from his book.”
Northam ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at the state Capitol and throughout Virginia for 30 days.
The national day of mourning means a number of closures taking place in Suffolk.
Post office locations will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery, according to the U.S. Postal Service’s website. Package delivery service will be limited.
All federal offices will be closed, including the Social Security Administration office on Hillpoint Boulevard.