Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush celebrates both his 88th birthday and the release of a HBO documentary about his life.
SOUNDBITE: President George H.W. Bush, former president, saying (English):
"This is a big day for the Bush's - we got a lot of happy things in our lives at this old state but this film and having so many friends around is great."
Family and friends gathered in Kennebunkport, Maine for the festivities.
The documentary called "41" reflects on Bush's position as the United States' 41st President and also shows the former leader reflecting on a life that took him from a World War II navy aviator to the White House.
The movie was filmed over a 17-month period at Bush's summer home and at his presidential library in Texas.
On the red carpet Bush talked about the importance of family.
SOUNDBITE: President George H.W. Bush, former president, saying (English):
"I said, years ago they said, 'Well, what are you proud of?' And I said, 'Well, my kids still come home', and that's true today, I mean they come here."
Bush served as president from 1989 to 1993.
Although he published a collection of letters and diary entries in 1999, he has not written about his years in power.
Alicia Powell, Reuters.
