Former President George H.W. Bush skydives on 85th birthday
Fans of skydiving will argue that it's a dying sport only if your parachute does not open.
Whatever its popularity these days, it's a thrilling form of outdoor recreation and former President Bush (George H.W.) can attest to this -- again -- after jumping from a plane today to commemorate his 85th birthday.
Bush, who also parachuted on his 75th and 80th birthdays, negotiated a tandem jump from 10,500 feet with Sgt. 1st Class Mike Elliott of the Army's Golden Knights.
At least Bush was in good hands. He said to the Associated Press of his adventure over Maine, during which he plummeted to earth at 100 mph:
"Just because you're an old guy, you don't have to sit around drooling in the corner. Get out and do something. Get out and enjoy life."
It's a commendable attitude and accomplishment, to be sure. Bush said he had such a good time that he planned to do it again when he turns 90.
-- Pete Thomas
Photo: Former President George H.W. Bush rides tandem with Army Sgt. Michael Elliott of the Army Golden Knights parachute team as he celebrates his 85th birthday today with a parachute jump. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / Associated Press
Congratulations and Happy Birthday President George H.W. Bush on your 85th.
You are looking great and I enjoyed the video on internet with the Bush family. Wish I could have been there in Kennebunkport. Your family makes us aware of so many good things such as good health maintenance, literacy and taking care of the children so we all have an equal means to try to maintain healthy lifestyles.
The size of government needs to be reduced and the taxes need to be rethought and lowered. How many public servants per capita do we need in this country to keep us safe and healthy and well read?.
Really, I just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday and good cheer to you and yours. Of course, I voted for #41 and #43. Karl Rowe via WSJ verified that #43 keeps up on his reading, which is obvious in his speaking.
Posted by: Michelle Lucile Rosenbaum | June 15, 2009 at 07:37 AM
How much must I thank Pres & former CIA Dir. GHW Bush for his comments on "...quite drooling & do something..." on his 3rd jump of a decade. I thought he had his "Wings," already?
That rings a bell...
About a promise he'd made to me, so long ago...
That "The Day would come..."
Tomorrow?
Posted by: Rick A Hyatt | June 12, 2009 at 08:45 PM
I'm a 70-year-old female who absolutely understands what the former president says when he tells us to enjoy life to its fullest as he has again demonstrated he and his wife can do. I admire him for his spirit and spunk and really wish him a very happy birthday today. Ginger
Posted by: Ginger Pellettieri | June 12, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Why is everybody sucking up to this old guy that created the Bush that destroyed this country? This is the guy who started the whole Iraq thing that has cost thousands of lives and your Congratulating him. No wonder our country is the way it is.
Posted by: Frank | June 12, 2009 at 04:28 PM
Another democrat here in praise of the old, but not drooling in the corner, dude. I'm a mere callow youth of 60, but I freely admit that I definitely do not have the huevos to jump from airplanes. Hoist one for Poppy!
Posted by: PJ in pasadena | June 12, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Congratulations Pres. Bush, and Happy Birthday! As fellow skydivers and friends of Mike Elliott, your tandem master, we have had many great jumps with him. You are always in good hands when he is with you! May you have many more birthdays, and jumps too.
Posted by: Kim | June 12, 2009 at 04:05 PM
I'm no fan of the position the Republicans have put us in but I do appreciate his spirit and can only hope to be as vital as he is when I'm his age.
Posted by: Jim Townes | June 12, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Congratulations President Bush!
I applaud your active life style and "live with gusto" attitude. Happy Birthday and many happy returns!
A Democrat praising a Republican. lol
Posted by: DeanRobinson | June 12, 2009 at 02:37 PM