Beetle Bailey creator honored on 90th birthday

[September 03, 2013]  STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) --  Beetle Bailey was known to be a lazy Army private, but the creator of the popular comic strip is getting accolades from top military brass and others as he celebrates his 90th birthday.

Mort Walker is receiving good wishes from Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey, Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Dolly Parton and even Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Walker's birthday is Sept. 3. He lives in Stamford, Conn.

He told The Associated Press in 2010 as the comic strip marked its 60th anniversary that he would continue with his creation until he's no longer able.

The comic strip featuring Beetle Bailey, Sarge and his dog, Otto, Gen. Amos Halftrack and Miss Buxley has more than 200 million readers in 52 countries.

[Associated Press]

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