George H.W. Bush makes parachute jump to mark 90th birthday

Former U.S. president George H.W. Bush has celebrated his 90th birthday by making a tandem parachute jump near his summer home in Maine.

The41stpresident jumped out of a helicopter Thursday 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 inKennebunkport, 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 the Second World Warover the Pacific.

Thursday marked his eighth jump. He can no longer use his legs because of a form of Parkinsonism.