These 30 Photos of the Obamas and the Bushes Prove Unity Is Possible

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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.

1Laughing with one another at Obama's inauguration in 2009

Image Source: Getty / Win McNamee

2Making friends with Sasha Obama at the inauguration

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3Practicing their handshake in 2013

Image Source: Getty / Kevork Djansezian

4Laughing with former first lady Barbara Bush at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2013

Image Source: Getty / Kevork Djansezian

5Sitting back and chatting at the Oval Office in 2008

Image Source: Getty / The White House

6Mingling with President Bill Clinton at the opening ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2013

Image Source: Getty / Alex Wong

7Honoring those who died on Sept. 11 on its 10th anniversary memorial

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8Encouraging healing at the slain Houston police officers' memorial service in 2016

Image Source: Getty / MANDEL NGAN

9Visiting the 9/11 memorial together in 2011

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10Walking through the White House's colonnade in 2008

Image Source: Getty / JIM WATSON

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

Image Source: Getty / Brendan Hoffman

12Greeting the press before Obama's inauguration

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13Embracing the cold at the inauguration

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14Together at the inauguration

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15Sitting together at Obama's inauguration

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

Image Source: Getty / SAUL LOEB

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

Image Source: Getty / Justin Sullivan

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

Image Source: Getty / MANDEL NGAN

19Practicing their handshake in 2016

Image Source: Getty / Astrid Riecken

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

Image Source: Getty / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

21Visiting Tanzania in 2013 to commemorate the victims of a 1988 US Embassy bombing

Image Source: Getty / SAUL LOEB

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

Image Source: Getty / MANDEL NGAN

23Observing the 9/11 memorial together in 2011

Image Source: Getty / MANDEL NGAN

24Traveling to South Africa together in 2013

Image Source: Getty / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

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

Image Source: Getty / JEWEL SAMAD

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

Image Source: Getty / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

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

Image Source: Getty / JIM WATSON

28Working together during Bush's presidency in 2006

Image Source: Getty / Brendan Smialowski

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

Image Source: Getty / Pool

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

Image Source: Getty / Astrid Riecken

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