Bushes miss Inauguration ceremony

Former president sends regrets

HOUSTON – There were a few guests noticeably missing from President Barack Obama's Inauguration celebration on Monday.

Former President George H.W. Bush is recovering at home after he spent seven weeks at Houston's Methodist Hospital. He decided not make the trip to Washington D.C.

On Twitter a few days earlier, Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath announced the 41st president and his wife would not attend the ceremony. It's the first ceremony they've missed since 1997.

On Monday, Bush released a statement saying, "Barbara and I send President and Mrs. Obama and their wonderful girls our best wishes and prayers on this historic day. May almighty God bless them and our wonderful country over the next four years."

McGrath said Bush is getting better every day.

Also absent from the inauguration stage was former President George W. Bush. Officials have not said whether the 43rd president was trying to stay close to his father as he recovers.

Other former presidents were also in attendance at the inauguration included President Bill Clinton and President Jimmy Carter.