Published Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:09 AM

Obama plans October stop

By MICHELLE CASADY
michelle.casady@theeagle.com

President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak in October at the Bush Presidential Library and Museum, marking his first trip to College Station.

The Oct. 16 visit by the 44th president to the center that houses the legacy of the 41st president is meant to build upon Obama's "United We Serve" campaign, organizers said.

It was unclear Friday evening how the event would be ticketed. Officials said details were expected within the next week or two.

Organizers said its purpose was to stress the importance of community service, like the program Obama created over the summer, but mainly George H.W. Bush's Points of Light program started 20 years ago during his first year as president.

Bush's program has recognized more than 4,500 individuals for their efforts in volunteering and helping a community. Obama's 2 1/2-month service program ended Friday to mark the eight-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and was developed by the families of those who died in the attacks. Projects ranged from food drives and home repairs to neighborhood cleanups and disaster preparation activities.

College Station's unique offering of a presidential library -- there are 13 in the country -- has drawn big-name politicians from around the globe and across the political aisle. It was less than a year ago that then-President George W. Bush came to the Texas A&M campus to give a December graduation convocation address.

Maggie Charleton, chair of the Brazos County Democratic Party, said she hoped that residents would realize the significance of Obama's presence at Texas A&M.

"This is not an endorsement of Obama's policies or anything else," she said. "This is an endorsement of community service, and I hope people are respectful of that."

She recalled the public protests that occurred when Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, was invited to speak at the library in 2003, but said she hoped things would be different this time.

"Community service is one of those areas that should not be political," she said. "We should all be able to come together. This cause is not partisan."

Charleton said she was thrilled about the president's visit.

"There are people in our community who need help," she said. "I know that, and I can't compliment President George H.W. Bush enough for recognizing that."

Paul Rieger, chairman of the Brazos County Republican Party, could not be reached for comment Friday evening.

---

Notice about comments: Theeagle.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Theeagle.com cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not theeagle.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. The Eagle is proud to offer our users enhanced commenting features. You can now build user-to-user connections, follow friend's recent posts, add an avatar that fits your personality, and more. If you have posted here before you’ll need to sign up again and if you’ve never posted start now by signing up!