If one man could make for a more civil tone in Washington, it would be 41

Crowds atopand below an overpass wave and salute as a train bearing 41's casket travels from Houston to College Station in Texas. (Grand Island Independent photo)

Not since the assassination of President Kennedy has a presidential funeral so gripped a nation.

That is not to say that the funerals of Presidents Reagan or Ford or Eisenhower were not significant, capstone events; they were.

But the intimacy with which we felt we knew the Bush family - thrust into our lives almost 40 years ago - is what stands out.

They are one of three families - including the Adams and the Kennedys - whose lineage permeated American politics for decades, putting an indelible stamp on America's culture and consciousness.

The lasting images from this week?

Former Kansas senator Bob Dole, 95, wracked by disabling injuries to both arms and other ailments, struggling to his feet in severe pain to salute George H.W. Bush lying in state in the Capitol's rotunda.

41's former Secretary of State and longtime friend Jim Baker telling of washing his former boss's feet as his life ebbed quietly away.

41's son and former President George W. Bush breaking down at the end of his homily to his dad during his funeral service in the Washington National Cathedral.

Jeb Bush grabbing the hand of George W. after he returned to his seat following that homily.

The thousands upon thousands of supporters lining the train route as 41 took his final passage by rail to College Station where he was buried at the Presidential Library on the campus of Texas A&M.

Throughout the week we watched.

It was a week when the partisan political rhetoric, the vitriol and viciousness seemed to have slowed just a bit.

A tough way to get a respite, lose a good man from this earthly realm.

We kept hearing during two funerals and in countless interviews that 41 was a man who "thought of the country" first and foremost, not his personal poll numbers.

We heard that he possessed a "quiet" strength.

There's very little "quiet" strength in Washington today.

We think both sides of the aisle should listen to what this man stood for.

Maybe it's time for a reset. Is it possible?