Elder President Bush decides not to attend Kennedy funeral, says son will represent family
By APFriday, August 28, 2009
Elder Bush will not attend Kennedy funeral
BOSTON — The elder President George Bush will not be attending Sen. Edward Kennedy’s funeral.
A spokesman for Bush said Friday that he and his wife, Barbara, decided not to attend Kennedy’s funeral after learning their son, former President George W. Bush, would attend.
Jim McGrath says the 85-year-old Bush feels his son’s presence would “amply and well represent” the family Saturday.
Bush released a condolence statement on behalf of him and his son immediately after Kennedy’s death. It was part of a stream of fond remembrances issued by Republicans.
The other remaining former presidents — Democrats Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton — will join the younger Bush at the service. President Barack Obama will give the eulogy.
