Events celebrating George H.W. Bush coming to College Station for centennial celebration

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Registration for the George & Barbara Bush Foundation’s centennial commemoration is now open. The series of events is celebrating what would have been President George H.W. Bush’s 100th birthday.

41@100: A Celebration of George H.W. Bush is happening from June 11 through 13 at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Dawn Hammatt, director of the Bush Presidential Library, joined News 3 at Six on Tuesday. She says the community is invited to attend several free events honoring President Bush’s life and legacy.

Conversation with Secretary Robert M. Gates and Secretary Andrew H. Card, Jr.

The centennial celebration will launch with a moderated conversation featuring Secretary Robert M. Gates and Secretary Andrew H. Card, Jr. The two will be discussing President Bush’s legacy. The event is happening on Tuesday, June 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center.

Book Launch featuring Jon Meacham and Jean Becker

On Wednesday, the public is invited to attend a special panel with Jon Meacham, Pulitzer-Prize winning biographer, and Jean Becker, former Chief of Staff to President Bush, about their books, “The Call to Serve: The Life of an American President, George Herbert Walker Bush” and “Character Matter: And Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush.”

Community Celebration Day

Thursday, there’s a day full of family-friendly events at the Bush Presidential Library.

Grand Opening of the Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion: The Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion is a new 29,000-square-foot building at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum. The Pavilion features:The retired Marine One helicopter flown frequently by President and Mrs. Bush during their time in office. The massive aircraft weighs 9,300 pounds and measures over 72 feet long.The Union Pacific 4141 Locomotive, which is painted to match Air Force One, and led President Bush’s funeral train from Houston to his final resting place on the grounds of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum.An on-site café.Commemorative parachute jumps by President Bush’s grandchildren: Every five years from ages 75 to 90, President Bush strapped on a parachute and jumped from a plane. His grandchildren will honor his love of adventure and continue his tradition of parachute jumps on his milestone birthdays.Birthday cake and ice cream reception with special appearance by Sully the service dog: Nothing says happy birthday like cake and Blue Bell ice cream in the Rotunda of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum. The president’s former service dog and loyal best friend, Sully, will also make a special appearance.“Looking Forward: Carrying the Mantle of Service into the Future” – Moderated Conversation with President Bush’s Grandchildren: Who better to share touching letters and memorable moments with their “Gampy,” than his grandchildren? They continue to carry forward his life of service for future generations.Free admission to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum: Visitors will get free admission to the Bush Library & Museum in President Bush’s honor. While there, they can check out the new exhibit, “The Spirit of the Place,” which explores the George H.W. Bush Presidential Center’s place in the community and its impact on the world.Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett Concert: The birthday festivities will conclude with a free, family-friendly country music concert from Texas singer-songwriters and Texas A&M alumni Robert Earl Keen ‘78 and Lyle Lovett ‘79

All events are free and open to the public, but registration at 41at100.org/events is required as space is limited.