30 Photos of the Obamas and Bushes to Remind You We're Not as Divided as It Seems

At the opening of the African American Museum of History and Culture in DC in August, the Bushes and the Obamas reminded everyone that unity is more important than differing opinions. One particular photo of Michelle Obama hugging George W. Bush went viral, but obviously the ceremony was not the first time both families have overcome their political positions to celebrate what makes this nation so great.

Whether it be at Barack Obama's inauguration or at the opening of George W. Bush's presidential library, the former president and current president have appeared together often, smiling the entire time. Neither family looks posed or uncomfortable during these events, either; they genuinely seem happy to see each other. Indeed, Obama recently told CBS News's Face the Nation that the most important advice he received from Bush was that "the American people need their president to succeed, regardless of political party." The evident sincerity between the Bushes and the Obamas serves as a necessary reminder for one of our nation's most memorable mottos: united we stand, divided we fall.

At a time where it seems political affiliation defines character and the rift between people seems to be growing daily, let these 30 photos of Bush and Obama inspire you to embrace unity.

01
Laughing with one another at Obama's inauguration in 2009
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Laughing with one another at Obama's inauguration in 2009

02
Making friends with Sasha Obama at the inauguration
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Making friends with Sasha Obama at the inauguration

03
Practicing their handshake in 2013
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Practicing their handshake in 2013

04
Laughing with former first lady Barbara Bush at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2013
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Laughing with former first lady Barbara Bush at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2013

05
Sitting back and chatting at the Oval Office in 2008
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Sitting back and chatting at the Oval Office in 2008

06
Mingling with President Bill Clinton at the opening ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2013
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Mingling with President Bill Clinton at the opening ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2013

08
Encouraging healing at the slain Dallas police officers' memorial service in 2016
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Encouraging healing at the slain Dallas police officers' memorial service in 2016

09
Visiting the 9/11 memorial together in 2011
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Visiting the 9/11 memorial together in 2011

10
Walking through the White House's colonnade in 2008
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Walking through the White House's colonnade in 2008

11
Transitioning power despite the cold during Obama's inauguration in 2009
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Transitioning power despite the cold during Obama's inauguration in 2009

12
Greeting the press before Obama's inauguration
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Greeting the press before Obama's inauguration

13
Embracing the cold at the inauguration
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Embracing the cold at the inauguration

15
Sitting together at Obama's inauguration
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Sitting together at Obama's inauguration

16
Honoring the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights march in 2015
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Honoring the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights march in 2015

17
Joining hands in prayer at the Selma march's anniversary in 2015
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Joining hands in prayer at the Selma march's anniversary in 2015

18
Smiling at the unveiling of the Bushes' presidential portraits in 2012
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Smiling at the unveiling of the Bushes' presidential portraits in 2012

19
Practicing their handshake in 2016
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Practicing their handshake in 2016

20
Warmly greeting George H. W. Bush at a Fort Hood memorial service in 2014
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Warmly greeting George H. W. Bush at a Fort Hood memorial service in 2014

22
Cleaning up nicely at the Bushes' portrait ceremony in 2012
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Cleaning up nicely at the Bushes' portrait ceremony in 2012

23
Observing the 9/11 memorial together in 2011
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Observing the 9/11 memorial together in 2011

24
Traveling to South Africa together in 2013
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Traveling to South Africa together in 2013

25
Struggling to keep a straight face with Barbara Bush at the Bush Center dedication in 2013
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Struggling to keep a straight face with Barbara Bush at the Bush Center dedication in 2013

26
Celebrating the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library together in 2013
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Celebrating the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library together in 2013

27
Meeting at the White House for the first time after Obama won the election in 2008
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Meeting at the White House for the first time after Obama won the election in 2008

29
Watching Stevie Wonder perform at the National African American History and Culture Museum dedication in DC in 2016
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Watching Stevie Wonder perform at the National African American History and Culture Museum dedication in DC in 2016

30
Sharing embraces at the National Museum of African American History and Culture's dedication in 2016
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Sharing embraces at the National Museum of African American History and Culture's dedication in 2016