Freedom… Bush Library, College Station, TX

The Texas Mustangs want to run wild and free across the countryside. The people of Berlin, Germany wanted to be free to cross from East to West. Both groups had a desire for freedom and dreamed of one day being able to run, jump, and cross at will.

Approaching the Bush Library we were drawn to a sculpture on one side. At a distance we could tell it was large mustangs jumping over something. As we approached, we realized it was pieces of the Berlin Wall.

This was our introduction to the Bush 41 Library and it did not disappoint. Beginning with a movie about the life of George H. W. Bush and ending with a replica of his oval office we were kept in awe of the man and his accomplishments.

Oval Office

Sometimes accomplishments are forgotten once a president leaves office. Bush 41 did so much for the world at large during his four years as president – the Cold War ended, nuclear war threat greatly reduced, the Soviet Union was dissolved, Russia became democratic and the Baltic states became free, the Berlin Wall came tumbling down and Germany was once again united, 32 nations came together to liberate Kuwait.

Berlin Wall Piece

Bush 41 was the first sitting vice president since 1837 to become president. He was also one of two presidents to serve a full term without party control in either the Senate or House.

The museum highlighted the many aspects of Bush’s life including his service during WWII. He served as a pilot flying torpedo bombers. On one mission in 1944, he was shot down and rescued from the ocean. We guess his love of flying and jumping from planes goes way back.

Bush 41 understands what freedom means and what it takes to keep freedom. As we left the library complex, the symbolism of wild mustangs jumping over sections of the Berlin Wall was not lost on us. Our appreciation of this President’s efforts were renewed and a remembrance of his accomplishments made us long for someone with his character in the White House once again.