George HW Bush reflects on being sworn in as president in intimate video diary

KTRK logo
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Bush 41 was sworn in on the steps of the Capitol in 1989
George H.W. Bush was sworn in on the steps of the Capitol as the 41st President of the United States in 1989

A video diary released Tuesday is giving us a more intimate look into the day George H.W. Bush was sworn in as president in 1989.

Bush's spokesman, Jim McGrath, shared the video on Twitter from "All the Best," a collection of letters and writings from the president.

Bush was sworn in as the 41st president of the United States on Jan. 20, 1989. Neil, one of the president's sons, reads what Bush dictated to his diary the day after the momentous occasion.

In it, he describes what outgoing President Ronald Reagan shared with him as they rode up Capitol Hill together. "'When I became the governor of California, just as I placed my hand on the Bible, the sun came through and warmed it,'" Bush says Reagan told him.

It appears Bush had similar luck. "And sure enough while we were on the platform, the sun started through. The speech went about 20 minutes and it was well received," he recalled.

"We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world," Bush said during his inauguration.

Bush described the day he was sworn in on the steps of the Capitol as "a beautiful winter day... clear, sunny, cold." A photo taken Jan. 21 captures the president walking by the White House, which he called "the people's house."

Since the president's death on Friday, a series of diaries have been shared, allowing the public more access to a man who was known for dedicating his life to service.

Bush served as president until 1993.

RELATED: Barbara Bush reads Pres. George H.W. Bush's letter remembering Robin in new video series

Watch the full diary entry above as Bush 41 reflects on the day and explains trying to get used to being called "Mr. President."

RELATED STORIES ON GEORGE H.W. BUSH

Service dog 'Sully H.W. Bush' escorted into the Capitol Rotunda

How to pay respects to Pres. George H.W. Bush in Houston

GEORGE HW BUSH FAMILY TREE: Who are the children, grandchildren of the political dynasty

George HW Bush funeral speakers: George W Bush to give eulogy for father