Former President George W. Bush called for the nation to come together this weekend in a video message he released and put partisanship aside as the world fights the coronavirus.

Bush implored Americans to “remember that empathy and simple kindness are essential, powerful tools of national recovery.”

The former commander in chief’s video, posted by the George W. Bush Presidential Center on Twitter said partisanship must end.

“We are not partisan combatants,” he said. “We’re human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God. We rise or fall together. And we’re determined to rise.”

Bush’s message comes as states are beginning to relax some measures intended to slow the spread of the virus, even as the nation has confirmed more than 1 million cases and more than 65,000 Americans have died from the virus.

“Medical professionals are risking their own health for the health of others, and we’re deeply grateful. Officials at every level are setting out the requirements of public health that protect us all. And we all need to do our part,” he said.

“We cannot allow physical separation to become emotional isolation,” Bush said.

“This requires us to be not only compassionate but creative in our outreach and people across the nation are using the tools of technology and the cause of solidarity.”

A Message from President George W. Bush@TheCalltoUnite pic.twitter.com/FIn9wuOPTF

— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) May 2, 2020