[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.