It's a bittersweet moment as Laura Bush celebrates her 79th birthday, marked by both joy and sorrow. Jenna Bush Hager, her daughter, shared heartwarming family photos on Instagram, capturing the essence of the former First Lady's special day. The celebration, however, was shadowed by the news of the passing of Dick Cheney, a long-time friend and ally of the Bush family.
Jenna's Instagram post was a touching tribute, featuring a series of photos that spanned generations. One black and white photo showed Laura and George W. Bush with their grandchildren: Mila, 12, Poppy, 10, and Hal, 6. Another photo highlighted the special bond between Laura and her granddaughter Mila, whose name is a blend of Laura and her maternal grandmother's name, Margaret.
The post also included a childhood photo of Jenna with her parents, and a snapshot with her twin sister Barbara Bush. The caption, "Happy birthday to my precious mama @laurawbush. I love you now and I loved you then. Love you always!" resonated with fans and friends, who showered the post with birthday wishes.
But here's where it gets controversial... The news of Cheney's death, at the age of 84, prompted a statement from George W. Bush, who remembered him as a "decent, honorable man." Bush's statement highlighted Cheney's extensive career, from his early days as a White House aide to his role as Secretary of Defense and, ultimately, Vice President. Bush emphasized Cheney's significant contributions, stating, "History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation — a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held."
And this is the part most people miss... Cheney's legacy is complex. He's widely recognized as one of the most influential Vice Presidents in American history, particularly for his role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the early 21st century. His influence extended to the interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as the country's controversial torture program. In 2014, he told Politico he had no regrets.
Bush's statement reflects on Cheney's steady presence during challenging times, his counsel, and his unwavering commitment to the freedom and security of the American people. He concluded by saying that Cheney's service always reflected credit on the country he loved. Do you think Cheney's legacy is accurately portrayed?
