George and Laura Bush Return to Texas

Following the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, Mr. Bush and his wife Laura embarked on their journey back to Texas. Per the tradition, the new president and his wife walked the now former president and former first lady to the chopper to wave goodbye.

The Bush family will take part in a homecoming celebration. Then, they’ll go to their ranch in Crawford as private citizens for the first time in eight years.

Crawford has prepared carefully for the festivities; some streets there having been closed since Friday. This seems prudent considering that nearly each one of 20,000 free tickets to attend have been handed out.

In Monday’s edition of the Midland Reporter-Telegram, County Republican Chairwoman Sue Brannon said, “The president said at the White House Christmas party that he left from Midland and was coming home to Midland because we’re the ones who are his friends and great supporters and he wanted to be with us when he left Washington.”

The event will feature big names in entertainment, including Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Rodney Atkins, and Lee Greenwood.  Former President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush will be traveling with George W. Bush, but the couple is not expecting to participate in the rally.