Socks celebration planned for George H.W. Bush's 89th birthday

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush (2nd L) wears pink socks as he attends the dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, April 25, 2013. Also pictured are former first lady Barbara Bush (L), former President George W. Bush (2nd R) and former first lady Laura Bush. (REUTERS)

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – A socks celebration has been planned in Texas for the 89th birthday of former President George H.W. Bush of Houston.

Visitors to Bush's presidential library in College Station are urged to wear "exuberant socks" Wednesday on his birthday. Bush in recent years has taken to wearing colorful socks in public.

Officials with the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation also want people with outlandish socks to post photos online. Select pictures will be sent to the 41st president.

A Bush spokesman said Tuesday that the former president will celebrate with his family in Kennebunkport, Maine. Bush's wife, Barbara, turned 88 years old on Saturday. Relatives are marking both birthdays.

Bush spent nearly two months hospitalized in Houston for treatment of bronchitis-related cough before he was discharged in January.