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World's oldest man marks 113th birthday

Montana governor presents him with cake at retirement home

Image: Walter Breuning
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer presents a birthday cake to Walter Breuning during his 113th birthday party on Monday.
John Moore / Getty Images
msnbc.com staff and news service reports
updated 8:52 p.m. ET Sept. 21, 2009

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - The Montana resident considered to be the world's oldest man celebrated his 113th birthday Monday.

The invitation-only celebration at the Rainbow Retirement Community in Great Falls featured Walter Breuning giving a brief talk, blowing out candles, sharing cake and meeting guests, including Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

"Glad to see so many people here. Thank you for coming," he told the attendees.

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Breuning also was presented with several awards, including a $10,000 check from Scottish Rite Temple members. Breuning then donated the money to the Childhood Language Disorder Clinic in Great Falls.

During his remarks, Breuning said it was unfair to compare this year's recession with the Great Depression, which he lived through.

"During the '30s there was no jobs, no nothing," he said, adding, "Now they've got more money in circulation than they've ever had in history.

Breuning attributes his long life to eating well and keeping physically and mentally active. He also says he takes one aspirin a day.

Breuning was born on Sept. 21, 1896, in Melrose, Minn., and moved to Montana in 1918. He worked for the railroad for 50 years.

Earlier this month, his former employer, BNSF Railway, presented him with a check for $50,000 to be donated to Shriners Hospital in honor of his service.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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