George W Bush overcome with emotion during tribute to his father at the Capitol

Olivia Tobin4 December 2018

Former president George W Bush was overcome with emotion during a tribute to his late father at the Capitol in Washington.

Moving footage showed the 72-year-old former president fighting back tears as his father George HW Bush’s coffin was carried into the Capitol for three days of mourning.

US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania were among those present to pay their respects , as dignitaries, politicians and family members gathered on Monday night.

Mr Bush, president from 1989 to 1993, died on Friday, aged 94, and will be buried at his Texas home alongside his wife, Barbara, who died earlier this year in April.

During a memorial ceremony at the Capitol, Mr Bush was visibly emotional as a tribute was read aloud for his father by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Mr Bush looks up at Vice President Mike Pence
AFP/Getty Images

Prior to the reading, Mr Bush was filmed outside of the rotunda with his hand on his heart as the coffin was carried in.

Mr Bush could be seen glancing at the coffin, before retaining composure.

Mr Bush died in Houston, Texas
EPA

As Mr McConnell read out a moving passage, Mr Bush looked teary-eyed as he nodded along with the leader calling his father "modest and kind".

The 41st president’s casket was lowered onto the Lincoln Catafalque, which was first used for Abraham Lincoln’s funeral, in 1865.

Dignitaries came forward to honour the Texan, whose efforts for his country extended three quarters of a century.

George HW Bush departure ceremony - In pictures

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Opening the Capitol ceremony, the US House chaplain, the reverend Patrick J Conroy, praised Mr Bush's commitment to public service.

"Here lies a great man," said House speaker Paul Ryan and "a gentle soul. ... His legacy is grace perfected".

Former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush walk past the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush
AFP/Getty Images

Vice president Mike Pence and Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell also spoke.

He will lie in state in the Capitol for public visitation until Wednesday, when an invitation-only funeral service is set to take place at Washington National Cathedral.

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