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CAS3
08-30-04, 11:45 AM
Veterans Prepare for 2004 Creative Arts Festival

WASHINGTON (August 25, 2004) - More than 120 veterans from across
the country who are medal winners in national music, dance, drama or art
contests are preparing to attend the 16th annual National Veterans Creative
Arts Festival in Salt Lake City from October 9-16, 2004.

The festival is the culmination of a year-long fine arts talent
competition with 3,000 participants nationwide that was open to all veterans
receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.

"The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival helps demonstrate that
real healing goes well beyond a person's physical needs," said Secretary of
Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. "For many veterans, the festival has
been more than a one-week event. It is a stepping-stone to further artistic
success."

These talented veterans will come to Salt Lake City for a week of
rehearsals and workshops concluding on Friday, Oct. 15, with a visual art
exhibit at the Edgar J. Thompson Music Hall, and a gala variety stage show
at Kingsbury Hall, both on the University of Utah campus.

The artists will exhibit their work from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in
Gardner Hall. At 7:30 p.m., the music, drama and dance performers will
showcase their talent in the stage show, backed by a professional orchestra.
Renowned actress of Hollywood's golden era, Jane Powell, will be the
mistress of ceremonies for the show.

The festival is presented by VA, the American Legion Auxiliary and
Help Hospitalized Veterans. It is hosted this year by the George E. Wahlen
VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City.

For further information about the festival, contact Kim Byers,
public affairs coordinator, at (734) 761-7824, or log on to the festival's
website: http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/caf/2004/default.cfm
<http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/caf/2004/default.cfm> . During the festival,
call (734) 417-6230.