'Always thinking of my best friend': Bush 41's service dog poses for tribute to late president

>>> See more from Sully and Bush's time together George H.W. Bush's former service dog Sully posed for a touching tribute to his late owner on Memorial Day. >>> See more from Sully and Bush's time together George H.W. Bush's former service dog Sully posed for a touching tribute to his late owner on Memorial Day. Photo: Instagram Photo: Instagram Image 1 of / 26 Caption Close 'Always thinking of my best friend': Bush 41's service dog poses for tribute to late president 1 / 26 Back to Gallery

As families honor military members across the country for Memorial Day, George H.W. Bush's former service dog posed for a touching tribute to his best friend's service during World War II.

Bush was matched with Sully in June 2018, two months after his wife Barbara died. They remained close companions until the former president's death in November.

Sully gained quite a social media following during his time with Bush. On Memorial Day, his Instagram account posted a photo of the dog at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

SULLY AND BUSH: What's next for Bush 41's service dog Sully?

The dog sat by a plaque dedicated to Bush 41's son, George W. Bush, who was president when the memorial opened in 2004.

Bush 41 piloted 58 combat missions during World War II from the carrier USS San Jacinto, according to his obituary in the Houston Chronicle.

"Always thinking of my best friend & the bravest military in the world who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country for our freedoms," the post said.

The post included a quote from Bush 41, saying, "Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor."

Of Bush's missions during WWII, one stands out among the rest.

During an attack on Japanese positions in September 1944, he completed a bombing run after his plane was badly damaged by antiaircraft fire. His plane eventually went down into the water, and he was able to grab onto a life raft after emerging form the sea, according to the obituary.

His crew mates were never found.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.