BOWLING GREEN, Va., July 31, 2005
On Third Try, Bush Visits Jamboree
Photographers' Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing; No Injuries
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Play CBS Video Video President Bush Visits Scouts It was a tragic week for Boy Scouts in Virginia after the deaths of four scout leaders. After two failed attempts, President Bush finally addressed the Scouts. CBS News' Bill Plante reports.
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A warm welcome for President Bush at the Boy Scout Jamboree, at Fort A.P. Hill, Army post, near Bowling Green, Va. (AP/Richmond Times-Dispatch)
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Interactive Jamboree Tragedy The Scouts' national gathering is marked by death, crippling heat and, in the end, a visit from President Bush.
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Photo Essay The Art Of Cool Here's a look at how some people around the U.S. beat the heat in 2005.
The president's second attempt to visit the Jamboree was postponed from Thursday at the Scouts' request. Officials wanted to review safety procedures for large crowds and replenish water and other supplies.
The illnesses came as the Jamboree participants were still trying to overcome the deaths on Monday of four adult Scout leaders who were electrocuted in front of several Scouts when a metal pole at the center of a large dining tent touched power lines. The tent caught fire and the men burned. An investigation into the accident is under way.
The day before, a volunteer was taken to a hospital where he died of an apparent heart attack.
"I appreciate the rain check," said Mr. Bush.
The weather was considerably cooler Sunday, but Scout officials took extra precautions. Scouts hiking to the arena from the most distant subcamp about seven miles away set out at 3:45 — more than an hour later than Wednesday — to give them less waiting time in the sun.
Several running buses with signs on the windshields reading "Cooling Station" were available, there were more tents to provide shade and stretchers were spaced out over the field in case they were needed.
Cases of bottled water dotted the sloping lawn of the arena like hay bales.
Even so, the day was not without minor incident.
A military helicopter carrying several photographers made an emergency landing at the Jamboree after its engine failed Sunday afternoon, said Jamboree spokeswoman Renee Fairrer.
She said the Blackhawk helicopter was carrying adult photographers for the Boy Scouts. She was unable to say how many people were on the helicopter, which she said landed at its designated spot on base.
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