WASHINGTON D.C. (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- Thousands of people traveled from near and far to say goodbye to our nation's 41st President, George H.W. Bush, including Mainers.
Amanda Laihou grew up in Raymond but has lived in the D.C. for a number of years. She felt it was her duty to come and pay her respects to a man she admired so much growing up.
"It's just a very moving experience to see all these people paying their tributes," Laihou said. "And the respect that people have inside the Rotunda, it's moving."
Kennebunkport residents Bonnie Clement and Helen Thorgalsen were also in the crowd of people. The pair formed a very special relationship with both the President and First Lady over the years.
"It was just important to be here and to say goodbye and show our respects." Thorgalsen said.
The two own a general store that the Bush family would often visit.
"We’ve been friends with them for so long and we didn’t know if we would have an opportunity to say goodbye," Clement said. "Well this is it this is a great place to do it."
"Talk about someone who had a great run it was him." Thorgalsen said.