Just days after being released from the hospital, former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush helped open Sunday's Super Bowl by flipping the opening coin toss.
After being wheeled to midfield while receiving a thunderous applause from the sold-out crowd, the 41st president of the United States flipped the coin. It landed on "tails" giving the Atlanta Falcons the first "win" of the game. They chose to defer.
Watch the touching moment here:
President George H. W. Bush tosses the coin for #SB51! @atlantafalcons win the toss and defer! https://t.co/aFtVZmFEpX— NFL (@NFL)1486337791.0
Bush, 92, was released from the hospital last week after an extended stay due to a recent bout with pneumonia. He was in ICU care for nearly two weeks. Wife Barbara was admitted to the hospital the very same day as George last month after being diagnosed with bronchitis.
And despite being in the hospital for several weeks, Bush was quick to remind America that he was excited to give the opening coin toss at Sunday's big game:
Getting fired up for Sunday and #SuperBowl. https://t.co/zlXmsZJrTM— George Bush (@George Bush)1485982100.0
During the festivities, the Bush's also met with the second family, Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence:
It's a great honor to visit with Former President @GeorgeHWBush & Barbara Bush. Their service to our nation 🇺🇸 is a… https://t.co/oVJOC5nhXk— Vice President Mike Pence (@Vice President Mike Pence)1486340894.0