President Bush delivers a speech about his vision for the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. All five living presidents were in attendance Thursday morning for the dedication ceremony on SMU campus. (Paul Moseley / Rotunda)

April 25, 2013 will go down in the books as one of the most significant days of SMU’s first century, as all eyes were on SMU for the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

The audience included five living presidents who were on campus to help celebrate this dedication, in addition to the rest of the Bush family, heads of state and local and national leaders, such as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Speaker of the House John Boehner.

SMU students, staff and faculty were scattered within the political leaders to be a part of this historical day.

“It was a fantastic, truly amazing experience to come here. To get this close to five presidents is truly amazing, and I think it will be great for our school,” sophomore Matt Montsinger said.

As guests slowly trickled in through the heavily secured check points, many could be seen wearing silver “W” pins, which were given to honor those who donated more than $1 million to the Bush Foundation.

Troy Aikman, former quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys said, “it’s exciting to be here,” as he filed into his seat.

Former members of President Bush’s administration were present, such as former Chiefs of Staff Andrew Card and Joshua Bolten who spoke to a panel of SMU students Wednesday.

Just a little after 9:30 a.m. the ceremony began with words from SMU President R. Gerald Turner.

After Turner’s daughter sang “God Bless America,” former Vice President Dick Cheney took the stage, shortly followed by the daughters of former Presidents Johnson and Nixon.

They were then joined on stage by the current and former First Ladies, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Rosalynn Carter.

Athough it is common for all former presidents and their wives to attend presidential library dedications, Nancy Reagan chose not to attend citing health issues.

After a brief pause, the five presidents took the stage to a standing ovation.

As everyone took their seats, Laura Bush started the festivities. She described how the center is “designed to present the past and engage the person.”

She also praised her husband and his work during his eight years as president.

“Throughout this center, I am reminded of my husband,” said Laura Bush. “My George is a man who when someone needs hand, offers them his arms.”

Shortly after Laura’s speech, President Jimmy Carter and President George H.W. Bush took the stage to give short, heartfelt speeches.

As President George H.W., 88, took the stage in his wheelchair, the crowd greeted him with a standing ovation.

His brief speech was of the more emotional moments of the ceremony as he congratulated his son.

“This is very special for Barbara and me,” said President H.W. Bush.

As he took his seat and jokingly asked his son if he had spoke too long, George W. Bush cracked a smile.

As H.W. rose out of his wheelchair, with the assistance of Barbara and their son, the crowd once again rose for a standing ovation.

President Bill Clinton spoke the longest while cracking jokes with the Bush family calling himself “the black sheep of the family.”

While he discussed their relationship, Clinton said, “We are here to celebrate a country we all love.”

Despite their differences, President Obama took the stage last to commend and congratulate President Bush, one of the select members of “the world’s most exclusive club.”

“We’re more than a club, we’re a support group. The last time we were together was before I took office, and I really needed that,” President Obama said.

After thanking President Bush for his service, the two men embraced and the crowd rose yet again for a standing ovation.

Finally as the man of the hour took the stage, the crowd stayed standing.

“Happy days,” President Bush said as he greeted the audience.

“This beautiful building has my name up on its doors, but it belongs to you, the American people.”

As he thanked his many friends for being with him on, he made sure to thank President R. Gerald Turner and the faculty and students of SMU.

Bush called the student body “awesome.”

The left side of the audience, filled with SMU students, erupted into cheers.

“I’m retired from politics, happily so I must add, but not from public service,” President Bush said as he concluded his speech.

“It’s an honor of a lifetime to lead a country as brave and as noble as the United States,” President Bush said.

“Whatever challenges come before us, I will always believe our nation’s best days lie ahead.”

As this historic day has come to a close, SMU students, staff and faculty will be treated to a special viewing of the Bush Center on April 29, with the public opening happening May 1.