HOKKAIDO, Japan (CNN) – It was a birthday celebration in the skies, as President Bush turned 62 aboard Air Force One while en route to Japan where Bush is attending the summit of the Group of Eight industrialized nations.
First Lady Laura Bush and White House staff members gathered in the conference room on Air Force One late Saturday night eastern time, where a steward dimmed the lights as the crowd waited for the birthday celebrant to arrive, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said.
On the table was a "large" coconut cake with a single burning candle and the words "Happy Birthday President Bush" on it.
The crowd called out "surprise" as President Bush walked into the room and then sang Happy Birthday, Perino said.
Bush "dutifully pretended to be surprised" and blew out the candle, Perino said. It was not known whether he made a birthday wish.
After cutting and serving the cake, the health-conscious president ate a "small" piece of birthday cake, she said.
There was no word on what he gifts he received from family members, but Perino noted the president was sporting a new teal-colored tie.
White House staffers presented Bush with birthday notes and cards - well-wishes delivered in a small wooden box with his initials carved on top.
The box was carved by a Texas woodworker with wood from an old Scarlett Oak tree that grace the north lawn of the White House until it fell last year.
The tree was planted in 1892 by the great granddaughter of President Benjamin Harrison, according to Perino.
From CNN Politics
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January 20th, 2009.
The United States' New Birthday
Mr Bush,
As you celebrate this day, give some thought to the thousands of American servicemen and women who will never see another birthday because of your greed, ineptitude, and ignorance. You have betrayed them, their families, and our country.
I'm so glad we have such hard hitting stories as how Bush celebrated his birthday.
Happy Birthday! Too bad those 5,00 0dead soldiers won't be able to celebrate any more birthdays of their own...but you party it up!!!
I respect Bush for doing what he believes instead of what's popular.
Happy Birthday Bush. Years from now people will look back and appreciate what you have done for this country. Thanks!!
I'm not one of those people who screams "You are not allowed to have cake because you invaded Iraq!", but so much of this article read like satire. "It was not known whether or no the President made a birthday wish." Wow.
I wonder if his wish as he blew was NOT to be tried for war crimes after he leaves office? Despite his "gut" being wrong about WMDs in Iraq, he has now ignored ALL SIXTEEN U.S. intelligence agencies AND the IAEA who say Iran ceased all nuclear weapons work in 2001, and that even that was minimal. Yet he threatens to attack Iran (who has attacked no nation in 400 years) to "stop their nu-cu-lar weapons program", again blowing off the potential for vast numbers of dead Muslim civilians and U.S. troops...looks like his final present to America is another war and a new generation of young Muslims with good reason to hate us.
happy b-day pres bush, altho we would wish you wiser years ahead(only a few months to go , then a new and better president,, goo obama!!!!!!
I wish you happy Birth Day Mr President.
I know you are a Man of God and a Blessed President.
You are the biblical Saul of the Jews. After you comes our David.
God will continue to protect, strenghten and use you.
I thought it was cute story. Happy Bday President!
I hope Obama has alot of disinfectant when he moves in to the white house, to clean up all the dirt and slime he has brought to the white house.
Happy Birthday President Bush! Good health and clear mind wishes on your birthday!
Why is this news? Does anyone care other than those who like him?Election day can't come fast enough when we can say good riddence to Bush.
Does anyone really think this guy has been running the country? It's been Cheney and his henchmen. Thanks for being a puppet, George Jr!
Happy B'Day "W". Like many Americans i don't agree with your policies but nonetheless... its your B'day... Go Shorty It's B'day. .
This guy is so out of touch. Again America got what it deserved. They voted for this guy (twice) you would think people would wake up to see what the GOP is all about by now. The rich get richer and everyone else pays for it.
America's worst President ever is having B'day when the whole country is bleeding for his huge mistakes. Does he even know that? or does he even care? What matters to him is the rich and oil men in this country are still making enormous amount of money. So the frat boy will have his lavish party.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR: Please get to work on gas prices, and inflation. We are hurting.
Happy Birthday George Doublya!!!!
I wish I could send you a present... but all I have to give is a bunch of Obama for President material, that I sure you would appreciate, but would not use!!! Happy Birthday nonetheless. 62 is pretty young..... just dont be like John Mccaain when you grow up!!
Happy Birthday Mr. Prez
Happy Birthday Mr. President!
I have to say, we go back Mr. President, we're tight! You remember, you remember? I remember...
Don't worry Mr. President, things will be O.K, even if it might take a while....
Happy Birthday Mr. President!
Crappy birthday, Mr. President!
You probably won't poast this.
All of this at taxpayer expense.