KENNEBUNKPORT (NEWS CENTER Maine) - Former President George H.W. Bush greeted admirers and locals with a wave out the window as he arrived to his summer home in Kennebunkport on Sunday.
It was an emotional and special homecoming, given the recent death of First Lady Barbara Bush. Residents in Kennebunkport filled the streets waving and cheering as the president's motorcade drove through downtown.
This is the first summer Bush will be there without his wife by his side. "She was such a fixture in our community," said Kennebunkport resident Jo O'Connor.
Locals wanted to show extra support and love for President Bush, given the loss of his wife. "We want to let him know how much he means to us and how much she meant to us also," said resident Beverly Bangs.
Many feared 41 wouldn't make it to Kennebunkport for the summer. He spent some time in the hospital days after his wife died.
Bush traveled to Maine from his winter home in Houston. Before the trip, the former president made a pit stop at the theater. The president loved the performance of the popular Hamilton: An American Musical, calling it "epic."
The 93-year-old arrived at his vacation home on Walker's Point around 4:55 P.M.
Typically, the President and his family stay in Maine until the leaves change color in the fall. His spokesperson has said that the summer will be different without Mrs. Bush around, but the President plans to stick to his normal routine as much as possible.