Gov. Jeff Colyer has designated Wednesday, Dec. 5, as a legal holiday in Kansas to observe the national Day of Mourning for the late President George H.W. Bush.
State of Kansas offices will be closed that day, according to Colyer’s executive order. Also, flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days in Kansas.
Bush, 94, the 41st president of the United States, died Friday, Nov. 30, in Houston, Texas. He served as U.S. president from 1989 to 1993, and he was vice president from 1981 to 1989.
He will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., starting Monday evening. A funeral service will be in Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday, and a funeral will be held Thursday in Houston, Texas, with burial at the presidential library at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
Nonessential federal employees also are observing the national Day of Mourning on Wednesday.
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, issued this statement: “President George H.W. Bush was a steadfast defender of freedom and liberty, from his time in the United States Navy to his many years of service in Congress, as vice president, and as our country’s 41st president. Our nation is grateful for his leadership through periods of conflict and uncertainty around the world. President Bush was a family man whose legacy of faith and service will live on. Robba and I offer our sincerest condolences to the Bush family and we pray that President Bush has been reunited with Barbara, his wife of 71 years, in Heaven.”
U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, stated on social media: “Rest In Peace, President George H.W. Bush. President Bush was a World War II hero, serving as the youngest aviator in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He dedicated his life to public service as a Congressman from Texas, Director of the CIA and Vice President to President Ronald Reagan before becoming the 41st President. Franki and I are praying for the entire Bush family during this difficult time.”