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Bush Turns 56, Lauds National Unity

By SANDRA SOBIERAJ
.c The Associated Press

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (July 6) - In a baseball cap labeling him ''The Boss,'' President Bush greeted his 56th birthday on Saturday with a crack-of-dawn round of golf - and a common gripe against aging.

''Feeling a little older, if you know what I mean,'' Bush said as he teed off with his father at a golf course near the family's shingled compound on the Atlantic.

The 78-year-old former President George Bush, who hit from a tee a bit closer to the hole, said he had no ''words of wisdom'' for his son, only a warning: ''No laughing about the ladies' tee.''

The president propped his foot on the cart dashboard as he sped across the course in just over two hours. He appeared to be in high spirits on the second day of a three-day holiday weekend with his extended family - his parents, first lady Laura Bush, their twin daughters, his brother and assorted nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Asked about the embroidery on his black cap, Bush took it off and looked at it. ''El jefe; that's French,'' he joked. (Jefe is actually Spanish for boss or chief.)

It was so early in the morning, he said he had not thought of anything he wanted for his birthday. ''First of all, I'm glad my mother and wife remembered,'' Bush said.

By the 18th hole, he had come up with a more serious answer:
''Hanging out with my family, which is a wonderful gift unto itself.''

The president, his father, brother-in-law Bobby Koch and a local golf pro took just two hours and 10 minutes to play 18 holes. The dugout-style chatter came from the former president, who approvingly appraised one powerful stroke with: ''How does the equipment stand it? Way up there! A little to the left. Whoa, golly!''

The family planned a birthday party for the president Saturday night - ''maybe a surprise party,'' he said with a grin.

With his weekly radio address, recorded in Washington before he left for Maine on Friday, Bush sought to extend the patriotic spirit of the Fourth of July.

''More than ever in the lifetimes of most Americans, our flag stands for a true united country. We've been united in our grief and we are united in our resolve to protect our people and defeat the enemies of freedom,'' he said.

The Democratic Party gave its Saturday radio broadcast to its gubernatorial candidate in Pennsylvania, former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell, who urged Americans celebrating at home should not forget about those protecting freedom overseas.

More than 60,000 U.S. troops are serving around the world in the war against terror.

''This weekend, as we enjoy the beach, barbecue, fireworks and the company of loved ones, let's say a prayer for those who are separated from their families and living under constant danger so that we can live safely and freely with our families,'' said Rendell.

Bush returns to work in Washington on Monday.