Bush returns to Midland

5:51 p.m.

Former President Bush spoke for about 20-minutes before thanking the crowd for coming out.

5:46 p.m.

"I'm going to write a book." Bush said.

5:42 p.m.

"There were some good days and there were some tough days," Bush said. "But everyday was an honor to be your president."

5:38 p.m.

"Laura and I may have left Texas," Bush said. "But Texas never left us."

5:36 p.m.

"I am grateful to the prayers of the American people," Bush said.

5:32 p.m.

"It is good to be home," Bush said to  the crowd as they erupted in cheers.

5:30 p.m.

"We saw some of the most trying days in America's history," Bush said.

5:29 p.m.

"I am grateful and I am thankful," Bush said." and I am thankful that I had the honor of being president of the United States for 8 years."

5:26 p.m.

Former President George Bush and his wife Laura have been introduced as they make their way on stage.

5:09 p.m.

As the motorcade makes its way to downtown Midland, people line the streets to catch a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Bush.

The Bush's are accompanied by their daughter Barbara Bush.

5:07 p.m.

Bush is headed to Centennial Plaza, while  his father Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara stay behind.

5:00 p.m.

Former President Bush and Former First Lady Laura Bush have arrived at Midland International Airport.

The Bush's are welcomed by Midland Mayor Wes Perry and State Representative Tom Craddick and their wives.

4:42 p.m.

Bush's plane has flown over Midland to a cheering crowd.

4:34 p.m.

There are an estimated 30,000 people at the event in Midland.

4:31 p.m.

Bush's plane is expected to fly over Midland soon.

4:08 p.m.

Rodney Atkins has now taken the stage.

4:01 p.m.

The unidentified woman is receiving medical attention.

3:57 p.m.

OA writer Lauren Drinkard is reporting that a woman has fainted in the press area. The crowd in that particular area is standing shoulder to shoulder.

3:46 p.m.

The Gatlin Brothers have now taken the stage.

The group performed for Former President George H. W. Bush just a few weeks ago.

More than two hours after the gates opened a long ling of people are still making their way inside the event area.

Former President George W. Bush is expected to arrive in a couple of hours.

3:25 p.m.

Musician Lee Greenwood has now taken to the stage to perform. The first song he sings is 'Where the Stars and Stripes and Eagles Fly."

3:29 p.m.

Gov. Perry spoke about the work Bush has done during his time in office.

"Thank you George Bush for making sure the U.S. has not been struck by terrorists in seven years," Perry said to a cheering crowd.

Perry finished by thanking Midland for raising an 'extraordinary son.'

3:24 p.m.

Governor Rick Perry speaks to the crowd about Former President Bush.

3:17 p.m.

Speaker Tom Craddick is now making his way to the stage. OA writer Matt McGowan is reporting that Governor Rick Perry has arrived.

3:01 p.m.

The First Methodist Church choir is now taking the stage. They are the home church to Former First Lady Laura Bush.

 The group sang at the White House this past December.

CLICK HERE to learn more about their music program.

2:51 p.m.

The True-Lite Christian Fellowship Church choir is now performing on the grand stage. CLICK HERE to listen to previous recordings of the choir.

2:45 p.m.

Snippet's of speeches from Former President Bush are now being played over the speakers as people continue to make their way inside.

2:19 p.m.

Still a long line of people coming in to the event area. The bands are now playing "Deep in the Heart of Texas."

2:10 p.m.

The Midland High and Midland Lee bands are kicking off the ceremony decked out the in their marching gear.

1:57 p.m.

As streams of people make their way inside the area volunteers hand out red, white and blue painted 'W' signs and Texas flags. The Journey song "Don't stop believing " blares through speakers as a giant screen projects images of Bush throughout his presidency.

1:00 p.m.

Gates are open and a long crowd of people are entering the Welcome Home President and Mrs. Bush event at Centennial Plaza in Midland.

It's 56 degrees and breezy. Bush won't arrive for a few more hours but festivities have already started.

Keep checking back for the latest updates.

CLICK HERE to hear what people had to say about Bush's presidency.