Presidential historian Jon Meacham delivered a solemn and emotional eulogy on Wednesday at the funeral for former president George H.W. Bush.

As Meacham honored Bush’s military service and joked about Dana Carvey‘s legendary SNL impression, he called the former president “America’s last great soldier statesman, a 20th century founding father.” He spoke of how Bush entered the political arena to continue his service to his country, and how he answered that calling through the accomplishments of his presidency.

“Strong and gracious, comforting and charming, loving and loyal, he was our shield in danger’s hour,” Meacham said. “An imperfect man, he left us a more perfect union.”

Meacham went on from there to praise other staples of Bush’s life: from his “thousand points of light,” to his famous advice of “tell the truth, don’t blame people, be strong, do your Best, try hard, forgive, stay the course.”

Watch above, via CNN.

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