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Kansas City, MO, Aug. 9,2004--More than 15,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. will converge in Cincinnati this weekend for the veterans organization 2004 convention. The annual event, which begins Saturday and runs through August 20, celebrates the veterans' organization 105-year history.
During the weeklong event, high-level members of the Administration, including President Bush, are expected to address the delegates, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry. In addition, the VFW will recognize various Americans for their contributions to veterans and their efforts in supporting America's deployed military troops. Among those to be honored are musician Tony Orlando and shipping magnate FedEx.
The convention, which will be held at the Cincinnati Convention Center, will include a motorcycle ride for charity, a health fair and a patriotic rally.
On August 20, delegates will formally elect the VFW's new commander in chief, John Furgess, of Nashville.
As leader of the 1.8 million-member veterans group, Furgess becomes the national organization's lead advocate for veterans and the nation's active-duty, Reserve and Guard forces. During his yearlong reign, Furgess will meet with the government and elected officials and travel extensively to military bases worldwide to address quality of life issues with the nation's military members.
The VFW assists all veterans and their families obtain veterans' entitlements and other services. In addition, the organization works for the well being of those serving on active duty, in the National Guard and the Reserves. The VFW was founded in 1899. There are 2.6 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries located in approximately 9,000 Posts worldwide.
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