A beaming George H.W. Bush poses for a photo with Texas cheerleading squad (and wears patriotic socks for the occasion)
By Margot Peppers
The Daily Mail (UK)
April 18, 2013
Former President George H. W. Bush donned American flag socks to a ceremony Wednesday, where he gleefully posed for a photo with the newly-announced Houston Texans cheerleaders.
The 88-year-old – who paired his flashy socks with a blue shirt and beige suit – was on hand to give a presidential congratulations to the 34 women who were selected for the competitive squad.
And he couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear as he presented roses to each of the cheerleaders, some of whom had visited him while he was unwell in the hospital earlier this year.
All smiles: Former President George H. W. Bush grinned from ear to ear as he met with the Houston Texans cheerleaders at their training facility on Wednesday
George H. W. Bush
Stars and stripes: Ever the patriot, he paired his summery beige suit with American flag socks that stood out during the photo op
The 41st president had been in poor health recently after a lingering cough associated with bronchitis landed him in a Houston hospital in November.
The cough soon improved, but he remained hospitalized for other health reasons and was moved to an intensive care unit in late December.
He also suffers from a form of Parkinson’s disease which has forced him to use a motorized scooter or wheelchair to get around.
Following a rumor that he was on his death bed, Mr Bush’s aide Jean Becker announced to the press: ‘Please put the harps back in the closet. He has every intention of staying put.’
Arm-in-arm: The 88-year-old presented each of the 34 girls with a rose to congratulate them on being selected to the highly competitive squad
Mr Bush reportedly cheered on the Houston Texans football team while in the hospital, and was even visited by the a few of the team’s cheerleaders.
The former President was released from hospital earlier this year, and appears to be in good health.
Indeed, he seems to have had all kinds of fun since his release from hospital.
In March, when he went on one of his regular visits to Texas A&M University, a group of students greeted him with a surprise dancing flash mob.
Biggest fan: Mr Bush reportedly cheered on the Houston Texans football team while in the hospital earlier this year, and was even visited by the a few of the team’s cheerleaders
The dance crew had re-recorded the lyrics to Boot Scootin’ Boogie, a Brooks and Dunn song, to be tailored to the former President and the school named after him.
At least two dozen people participated in the choreographed stunt as the former President looked on, captivated.
Mr Bush ‘loved it,’ one of the students told CBS News at the time.’He loved the lyrics. He wanted an encore.’
