Ambassador Hughes Remembers Former President Bush
As the nation mourns the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University asked Ambassador Hughes to reflect on his experiences serving in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 41st president's term in office.
"I have so many fond memories of my service with the first President Bush," Hughes said.
“He was above all a lovely human being, which was evident throughout his many careers in public life. When he served in the House, he loved our gym, and it was not unusual for him during his presidency to show up and greet his former colleagues at least once a year,” Hughes recalled.
Photographs of Hughes and Bush as well as correspondence are among more than 200 pieces of memorabilia displayed in the Hughes Center. Below are Hughes' reflections paired with corresponding images and letters.
The above image of William Hughes with his late wife, Nancy, far left and right, with George and Barbara Bush, was sent to William Hughes on Oct. 13, 1989 along with birthday wishes from the president.
Congressman Hughes and President Bush shake hands in this personally signed image from President Bush.