Vet convention in S.L. may feature president

By Angie Welling
Deseret Morning News
Published: Sunday, July 17, 2005 11:42 p.m. MDT
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While its Web site touts the musical stylings of Tony Orlando as the highlight of next month's Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Salt Lake City, another invited guest may be more likely to draw the attention of Utahns — President Bush.

Bush is expected to visit Utah next month to speak at the annual convention, marking his second visit to the Beehive State since he was elected in 2000. The first was Bush's attendance at the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

VFW spokesman Jerry Newberry confirmed Friday that Bush has been asked to speak during the Aug. 20-25 event but said the president had not yet accepted or denied the group's invitation.

Privately, however, several prominent state Republicans told the Deseret Morning News Friday that they expect Bush to come to Utah sometime during the five-day convention.

Specifically when Bush would visit is unclear. The White House declined to comment Friday on the president's plans during that time period, noting that his schedules are released only a week in advance.

The VFW always invites the sitting president to attend its annual conventions, which generally draw between 9,000 and 13,000 attendees, Newberry said.

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"That's a long-standing tradition we've had for many, many, many years. The president does not always make it, but we always invite him," he said. "The president of the United States understands who the VFW is and what we're about, (and) they do try to make it. But matters and affairs of the country come first."

Bush has spoken at the past three VFW conventions, and once sent Vice President Dick Cheney in his place when scheduling conflicts did not allow him to appear in person, Newberry said.

"The president's always well received, regardless of party," he said. "The office of commander-in-chief is highly respected."

During his 2002 visit, Bush met with members of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held a private reception at the Capitol with local dignitaries, including Republican stalwarts and members of the Utah Legislature.

According to its Web site, the VFW is a 2.4 million-member organization dedicated to veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense. Its 2005 convention will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City.

E-mail: awelling@desnews.com

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