Bush bash: Elder ex-president marks 90th birthday

Former U.S. leader to celebrate with parachute jump

Former president George H.W. Bush

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine — Former President George H.W. Bush has celebrated his 90th birthday by making a tandem parachute jump near his summer home in Maine.

The 41st president jumped out of a helicopter today while harnessed to a retired member of the Army’s parachute team.

He could be seen floating to the ground using a red, white and blue parachute. A spokesman says he landed safely and softly in Kennebunkport, out of the sight of reporters.

With the jump, Bush made good on a promise from five years ago, when he also celebrated his birthday by skydiving.

The first time Bush jumped from an airplane was when his plane was shot down in World War II over the Pacific.

Today marked his eighth jump. He can no longer use his legs because of a form of parkinsonism.