    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [June 12, 2004]
    [Pages 1034-1035]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at an 80th Birthday Celebration for President George H.W.
    Bush in Houston, Texas
    June 12, 2004

        Thank you all. As you can see, I have been given the high honor to
    represent my three
    brothers, my sister, and our respective families at the 80th birthday party
    for our dad, our Gampy.
        You're probably wondering how I got to be the family spokesman.
    [Laughter] Well, we polled the family, and rumor has it, somewhere in
    our large family, the tiebreaking vote for tonight's speaker was cast by
    a fourth cousin by the name of Chad. [Laughter] While holding his son
    above the crib, Chad's father reports that the lad burped, and it
    sounded like ``George W.'' [Laughter] Once again, my life was affected
    by a dangling chad. [Laughter]
        Yesterday we said farewell to a good man, our 40th President, Ronald
    Reagan. Today we honor another good man. I
    want to thank you all for coming to wish our dad a happy birthday.
        We thank those who worked so hard to make this event a great
    success. We thank the entertainers for coming. Right before I came on
    the stage, I had a chance to say hello to Dennis Miller. He was somewhat disappointed. I said, ``Why?'' He
    said, ``I thought we were raising money for a thousand pints of light.''
    [Laughter]

    [[Page 1035]]

        We thank the underwriters, the sponsors, and the organizing
    committee. We thank the honorary chairman, Dan Quayle. Dan's not only a good friend; he's one of
    our three favorite Vice Presidents--you know, Dick, Dan, and Dad. [Laughter]
        Most of you are here because over the years you have come to know
    and love our dad--as well as his rather shy and retiring wife. [Laughter] He has touched you because of his decency
    and warmth, his humility and humor. You know what we know, that we are
    all fortunate to have George Bush as a part of our lives.
        Some of you are here to pay tribute to a man who has made your
    life's calling a little easier. Because of our honoree's sense of duty
    and service, millions have been raised to heal hurt and disease as well
    as educate our young. Some are here to see the 80-year-old dude who
    tomorrow will strap on a helmet, zip up a suit, and launch forth from a
    perfectly safe aerospace vehicle, arms sprayed, back arched, yelling at
    Father Time, ``Take this, you old man.'' One or two of you thought the
    Astros were at home. [Laughter]
        Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are here
    with our families because of our deep and pure love for our dad. We love
    his enthusiasm for life and his dedication to his faith, his family, his
    friends, and his country. We respect and honor the example he has set in
    service to our Nation, as a fighter pilot, a Representative, a diplomat,
    and a President. We take comfort in knowing that he was the same caring,
    decent man before, during, and after his time in the arena.
        We like to do things with him. He is a fun guy. We like to fish,
    throw a shoe, play peggity, or play golf with him. We like to talk and
    laugh with him. We still get a kick out of his dirty shirt joke or
    ``show him a clean one'' line. We understand his gentle tease and have
    learned the art of the effective needle from him. We appreciate those
    times when he gives us ample material with his weird taste in clothes.
    [Laughter]
        We are awed by his energy, his zest for life. If ever there was a
    guy who could say his dance card was completely full, it is our dad. We
    love the fact that he loves Mother. And we are
    amazed and deeply touched by his unconditional love for us.
        So here's to you, young fella. May God grant you health, joy, and
    many years of happiness. God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:30 p.m. at Minute Maid Park.