On Monday February 18, 2019 Neil Mallon Bush helped celebrate the life and work of his late father George H. W. Bush, the 41st President (1989-1993) who he said brought to the White House a dedication to traditional American values and a determination to direct them towards making the United States “a kinder and gentler nation” in the face of a dramatically changing world.

Addressing the packed gathering at the IACCGH Distinguished lecture with personal insights of the life of his father and in a very emotional speech, Neil Bush shared his personal experience of the late Presidents’ funeral.

Neil reminded us that in the Inaugural Address President Bush had pledged in “a moment rich with promise” to use American strength as “a force for good.” Feeling a responsibility to make his contribution both in time of war and in peace on his 18th birthday President Bush enlisted in the armed forces. The youngest pilot in the Navy he flew 58 combat missions during World War II. He was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire and was rescued by a U. S. submarine & was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action.

The President next turned his energies toward completing his education and raising a family. In January 1945 he married Barbara Pierce. Excelling both in his studies and sports, a member of Phi Beta Kappa and captain of his sports team at Yale, then pursued a career in the Oil Industry in Texas.

Interested in public service he served two terms as a Representative to Congress from Texas, as Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the U. S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

In 1988 he was elected President of the United States and saw the end of the cold war, the breakdown of the communist empire and the fall of the Berlin Wall. His greatest test was during the Iraq invasion of Kuwait.

Neil Bush, an international businessman, serves as Chairman of the Points of Light Board of Directors, where Neil expands his father’s vision of inspiring, equipping and mobilizing volunteers to increase capacity for vital social services and for finding innovative solutions that lift individuals, strengthen families and renew communities.  Neil chairs the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, dedicated to helping all Houstonians realize their fullest potential through literacy.  In his professional life, Neil develops international business opportunities.

Renowned Houston artist Gopaal “Neal” Sen presented Neil Bush with a special portrait he had created when he had heard of the passing of the President.

IACCGH President Swapan Dhairyawan presented Neil Bush and Acting Consul General Surender Adhana with mementos.  The series sponsor Shell’s representative Ms Ana Kopf proposed the vote of thanks.