http://www.salon.com/wire/ap/archive.html?wire=D8BKCOQ84.htmlJuly 28,2005 | WASHINGTON -- Bad weather forced the cancellation of President Bush's trip Wednesday to the Boy Scouts' national jamboree where tens of thousands of youngsters have been saddened by the deaths of four of their leaders in a tragic accident.
The president was to have flown by helicopter to the National Boy Scout Jamboree being held at Fort A.P. Hill, an Army base about an hour south of Washington. But Bush's appearance, as well as the entire schedule of evening events at the jamboree, were scrapped at the last moment because of the threat of severe thunderstorms and strong winds.
The White House said Bush would instead travel to the gathering on Thursday evening. At the last jamboree four years ago, Bush's trip was also canceled because of bad weather, in which lightning strikes caused minor injuries to two Scouts. He spoke to the group a day later by videotape.
White House press secretary Scott McClellan said the Scouts had recommended that Bush not come and that the evening events be canceled. Renee Fairrer, a spokeswoman for the Scouts, said it was a joint decision and was driven mostly by a concern for the safety of the children and tens of thousands of visitors.