By Elise Hammond and Eric Bradner of Xenix News
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral brought together past presidents and politicians from both parties in Washington, DC.
The Washington National Cathedral’s service included tributes from his family, former President George W. Bush, and individuals who collaborated with Cheney throughout his long political career. Significantly, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance did not receive invitations.
Speakers shared his affection for his family and homeland, recounting personal anecdotes about his passion for fly fishing and nature.
Here are several significant highlights:
- Former President Bush: In his homage, the former president recalled his vice president as a “genuine man of the West” and stated Cheney exemplified an “old type of public servant, characterized by their integrity and principles.” He recounted the tale of selecting Cheney as his running mate and the moment he understood “the ideal choice for vice president was the individual right in front of me.”
- Constitutional Defense: Ex-Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney stated that the decision “between protecting the Constitution and protecting your political party was no decision whatsoever” for her father, who believed that being “born an American” was a tremendous gift. She stated that his last words “were to convey to my mother that he loved her.”
- Christmas customs: Cheney’s grandchildren cherished the small life moments shared with their grandfather. Elizabeth Perry mentioned Cheney taking her to her first day of college. Richard Perry recounted how Cheney prepared Christmas dinner as they watched John Wayne films in the kitchen. Grace Perry remembered how her grandfather took her to rodeos throughout the state.
- Other tributes: Pete Williams, Cheney’s press secretary during his time as defense secretary, stated that Cheney “showed that level of decency and care for everyone who served under him.” Dr. Jonathan Reiner, Cheney’s heart specialist, stated that despite the former vice president’s ongoing struggle with heart disease, “he never glanced back — he only focused forward.”
- Attendees: In addition to Bush, former President Joe Biden and former vice presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle were present. A variety of Supreme Court Justices and congressional leaders from both political parties were present. Trump and Vance were not on the guest list, although Vance did express his sympathies.
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