Laura Bush to Attend Lady Bird Johnson Funeral
The two most recent First Ladies from Texas will attend the funeral of their predecessor:
Laura Bush is canceling a scheduled appearance Saturday in Indiana to attend Lady Bird Johnson’s funeral. The first lady will attend the services in Austin, Texas, with her mother-in-law, former first lady Barbara Bush, her office said Thursday.
That seems wholly appropriate. No word on whether the other living former first ladies will attend.
President Bush opened a news conference Thursday with kind words for her. “Yesterday, America lost an extraordinary first lady and a fine Texan, Lady Bird Johnson,” he said. “She brought grace to the White House and beauty to our country.”
Bush sent condolences and prayers to the Johnson family.
Later in the day, the president ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday in honor of Mrs. Johnson’s funeral and “as a mark of respect” for her memory.
Nice gestures. It’s nice to be able, for a moment at least, get past partisanship and don the Head of State hat.
