Washington, D.C. — Saturday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released the following statement honoring the tremendous life of George H.W. Bush, the 41^st President of the United States:

“I’m saddened along with the entire country to learn of the passing of former President George H.W. Bush at the age of 94. He was a great man. I was blessed to know him, and to see personally how he radiated a sense of kindness when I spoke with him. Americans always sensed that goodness about him, and the nation has loved him throughout his retirement years. He lived a widely admired life that was full of historic accomplishments, but also a consistent life of decency, dignity, humility and a quiet but deeply-rooted faith. He loved his friends and family, and valued people. He was good to American Samoa, and many of our Veterans served when he was Commander-in-Chief.

“Our own Faiva Ae, daughter of High Chief Pulu, was commended by President Bush and he awarded her the Point of Light Award, based on his famous call for us all to be part of a ‘thousand points of light’ together making the world a better place.

“As President, it was his responsibility and privilege to lead during the fall of Berlin Wall, and the great advancement of human freedom represented by that event. He also led the world in unprecedented unity to free Kuwait from the aggression of Iraq’s dictatorial regime. History will regard him highly as an honorable leader in the historic years when our nation transitioned out of the Cold War. From the time he was a young man, he served with unquestionable patriotism. In World War II, he flew combat missions in the Pacific theater as one of the youngest pilots in the U.S. Navy. He was shot down by enemy fire, and survived to become a national leader in role after role: Congressman, Republican Party Chairman, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, CIA Director (during the Cold War), Envoy to China, Vice President and finally, President.

“Perhaps most of all, George H.W. Bush will be remembered fondly for his desire for a united people that loved each other, a ‘kinder, gentler’ nation. His goals included a generous-spirited people making up a ‘thousand points of light’ lending help where needed. That vision has led to many charitable endeavors, including a nonprofit that continues that work. Our thoughts are with those who loved him most of all, his family, and all those who served with him over his decades of public service.”