As the world mourns the loss of a great spiritual leader and prophet, President George W. and Laura Bush shared the following statement:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release January 28, 2008
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our friend, Gordon B. Hinckley. While serving for over seven decades in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon demonstrated the heart of a servant and the wisdom of a leader. He was a tireless worker and a talented communicator who was respected in his community and beloved by his congregation. As President of his church, he traveled to more than 60 countries to spread a message of love and optimism to the millions of people around the world who shared his faith.
A Mayflower descendant and the grandson of Mormon pioneers, Gordon was a deeply patriotic man. His leadership and service strengthened the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University, the Boy Scouts of America, and the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. In 2004, I was honored to present him with the Medal of Freedom, our Nation’s highest civil award, in recognition of his lifelong public service.
Laura and I will miss Gordon’s friendship and wisdom. Our thoughts and prayers are with his five children and the rest of the Hinckley family.
Actual White House Press Release
Even in his death President Gordon B. Hinckley teaches us how to do missionary work! He was a friend to all, ever witnessing by his example that Jesus is the Christ and that His gospel and church have been restored. Let us reach out into our communities and get to know the leaders who make important decisions that influence the tone and laws of our neighborhoods. Let us so live that everyone who knew us will be glad that they knew a Mormon.
