By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher
DEC. 7, 2018 | It was a memorable day for Gwinnett County, October 20, 1992. The president of the United States made a special train stop in Norcross. Not only do I remember it well, but I was there. I found my story of that visit in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on the Internet.
It may have been the biggest crowd ever to assemble in downtown Norcross in about a one block area, near the train depot and the Jones Street crossing. Estimates were from 5,000 to 7,000 in attendance, and for sure, they were crammed close together on a sunny day with the temperature in the 60s. It was far more packed than the crowds you see at some of the downtown Norcross festivals today.
Lillian Webb speaking
President George H. W. Bush’s campaign train halted just after noon. The president and Barbara Bush got off the train and greeted people before he spoke briefly, being introduced by Rep. Newt Gingrich. Among his remarks: “It’s good to be in the land of the free and the homes of the Braves.”
His aides had prepared him well with another remark, also with a local angle. In a political aside, the campaigning president said that his Democratic leadership opponents “would make the White House into a Waffle House.” The crowd cheered.
He was on the ground among the crowd for 21 minutes, then along with several dignitaries including County Commission Chairman (and former Norcross mayor) Lillian Webb, returned to the train for another 14 minutes. The president, in a windbreaker, waved from the train’s back car platform as it slowly pulled northbound.
Making music for the president that day were three high school bands, from Norcross, Berkmar and Duluth.
Overall, the crowd was relatively polite and courteous. One sentence from the story: “A small contingent of Democratic supporters with Clinton-Gore signs chanted ‘No more years,’ while Republicans were imploring ‘Four more years.’”
Bush
The 41st president had a fabulous life, born into a wealthy and political New England family. His mother had developed land near Kennebunkport, Maine, which eventually became the president’s personal retreat. In 1943, instead of heading for college, he became a Navy pilot. He flew a carrier-based torpedo bomber aircraft in 58 combat missions. He was shot down in the Pacific Ocean, and was rescued by an American submarine, which navigated a treacherous 100 miles of shallow water to rescue the future president.
Returning a war hero, he went to Yale, captained the baseball team, graduated and married Barbara Pierce in 1945. Still doing things a little different, instead of going into a fancy eastern establishment job, he set out for Midland, Texas, striking his fortune in the oil and petroleum business.
Later George Bush would become interested in Republican politics like his father, Senator Prescott Bush. He became a Congressman (1966), then United Nations ambassador (1971), U.S. envoy to China (1974), and later as the head of the CIA (1976). Serving as vice president for two terms under Ronald Reagan’s administration, he then won election as the 41st president, defeating Michael Dukakis.
We distinctly remember and are proud that this president had the guts to push for a tax increase to cut into the budget deficit. He also was proud to push for and sign into law the American with Disabilities Act, a monumental empowering change for our country. And on top of it all, he was always a person with integrity and humility.
What more can you say? Few people will lead such a distinguished and storied life.
George H.W. Bush: 1924-2018: may you rest in peace.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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