Why Lifelong Sock Lover George H.W. Bush Will Be Buried in This Pair

Last Friday, George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died in his home in Houston at the age of 94. Today, a ceremony will be held for him at the the Capitol in Washington D.C., where he will lie in state in the rotunda, before being taken back to his final resting place in Texas on Thursday.

The former president leaves behind a long legacy in international politics. But the decorated war veteran is also fondly remembered for his love of fun, colorful socks. It is therefore both touching and fitting that, according to his spokesman Jim McGrath, he will be "carried to his final rest wearing socks that pay tribute to his lifetime of service, starting as an 18 year-old naval aviator in war."

The 41st President will be carried to his final rest wearing socks that pay tribute to his lifetime of service, starting as an 18 year-old naval aviator in war. That legacy is now being carried, in part, by the brave, selfless men and women aboard @CVN77_GHWB. #Remembering41

— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) December 3, 2018

"I'm a self-proclaimed sock man," Bush once said in an email from the Republican National Committee. "The louder, the brighter, the crazier the pattern – the better."ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

Enjoyed my annual lunch with President and Mrs. Bush in Maine. Envious of his "western cactus"-themed socks.#sockswag

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) September 5, 2013

Proving that he was a man ahead of his time, he even had socks that bore the adorable face of his service dog, Sully.

View this post on Instagram

My best friend has gotten some pretty rad socks, I'm rather a fan. . . . . . . . #bushSocks #41Socks #tongueOutThursday #41 #socks #selfie #tot #playtime #secretservice #SullyHWBush #SullyBush #bush41 #instagood #goodboy #DogOfInstagram #TalesOfALab #InstaDog #InstaDogs #Dogs #AmericasVetDogs #GuidedogFoundation #labrador

A post shared by Sully H.W. Bush (@sullyhwbush) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:19am PDT

But outside of fun, Bush also wore socks that made a statement or raised awareness, as he did on World Down Syndrome Day last March.

Yesterday I was inspired by my friend John Cronin to wear these beauties from @JohnsCrazySocks marking World Down Syndrome Day. A great sock supporting a wonderful cause. #johnscrazysocks #worlddownsyndromeday #happiness #downsyndrome

— George Bush (@GeorgeHWBush) March 22, 2018

Or when he broke everyone's hearts by wearing book socks at Barbara Bush's funeral service to pay tribute to his wife of 73 years and her lifelong commitment to family literacy.

The socks worn by the 41st President of the United States of America at today's funeral for former First Lady Barbara Bush.

— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) April 21, 2018

And other times, he would use socks to tease his friends, as when he greeted Bill Clinton while wearing socks printed with his face.

Special visit today with a great friend — and now, a best-selling author. Luckily I had a freshly laundered pair of @BillClinton socks to mark the occasion.

— George Bush (@GeorgeHWBush) June 25, 2018

For more on beloved politicians who love some next-level ankle décor, check out Justin Trudeau's amazing Star Wars-themed socks!

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Diana Bruk Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness.Read moreRead This Next

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