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McCain, Obama to Address VFW National Convention

Posted at 04:29 AM on Friday, August 15, 2008 by newmexico

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2008--The two presumptive presidential candidates have accepted invitations to speak next week to the 109th national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., which starts tomorrow at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The event is not open to the public.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is scheduled to speak on Monday, followed by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) on Tuesday.

The appearance of both presidential candidates continues a long standing VFW tradition to provide a platform for those seeking the nation’s highest office to address America’s oldest major veterans’ organization, even though the VFW is prohibited from offering endorsements.

“For the candidates, this is their opportunity to address the national convention of America’s oldest major veterans' organization and the nation's largest organization of combat veterans,” said VFW National Commander George J. Lisicki, a Vietnam veteran from Carteret, N.J.

“What the VFW membership wants to know is how each candidate would prosecute the war on terrorism and protect America through strong national defense and homeland security programs. We also want to know how they would enhance military and veteran healthcare programs, benefits, and Quality of Life initiatives.”

Read more National Convention Preview