VFW to take Nashville by storm; the `country music capital of the world' will be the site of VFW's 103rd National Convention—one you don't want to miss

VFW Magazine, May, 2002 by Janie D. Blankenship

When VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members head to Nashville Aug. 24-30 for the organization s 103rd National Convention, they'll find more than a sleepy country music city.

Though it's best known as the "country music capital of the world," Nashville is home to many cultural attractions, while maintaining that down-home feel. Some call it the "Athens of the South," while city officials liken it to a southern Manhattan.

However, it's the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Row that made Nashville the booming city it is today. Here's a look at a couple of "must-sees" for those attending the convention. Be sure to check out future issues of VFW for more information on Nashville, such as restaurants, historic battle sites and entertainment venues.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

222 Fifth Avenue South, (615) 416-2001 www.countrymusichalloffame.com

A landmark in Nashville since 1967, the Country Music Hall of Fame was recently rebuilt as a $37 million structure on the west bank of the Cumberland River. Spanning an entire city block, this 130,000-square-foot building will take at least three hours to tour.

Expect to see Elvis' gold-encrusted Cadillac and Webb Pierce's cowboy-themed convertible flanking the gateway to a spacious theater featuring early radio and TV broadcasts. A full-service restaurant and gift shop make a visit to the hall of fame complete.

GRAND OLE OPRY

2804 Opryland Drive, (615) 889-3060 www.opry.com

For some 75 years, the Grand Ole Opry has brought Americans genuine country music. Superstars, "hall of famers" legends and up-and-coming country artists perform in this 4,400-seat broadcast studio.

As the world's longest running radio show, the Opry is broadcast live on 650 WSM as well as the Opry's Web site every Friday and Saturday night. A half-hour segment is televised live on TNN each Saturday night.

If you can't take in a show at the Opry while in Nashville, at least stop by and check out the museum in the Opry Plaza area. Exhibits honor the legendary Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, Tex Ritter, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones and Jim Reeves. Garth Brooks and Reba McIntire are among the current Opry members with exhibits.

OPRYLAND HOTEL

2800 Opryland Drive, (615) 889-1000 www.oprylandhotels.com

This is a wonder in itself. With everything under one roof, the only reason to leave is to see Nashville's sites and scenes.

To obtain more information about area tourist attractions, contact: Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 211 Commerce Street, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37201, (615) 743-3000 or 1-800-657-6910. Be sure to check out the bureau's Web site at www.NashvilleCVB.com.

PLAN TO TEE OFF

THE VFW NATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24, at 0pryland Hotel's Spring House Golf Club. The $65 entry fee is due with application by July 31. Entries received after this date will Cost $100.

The entry fee includes 18 holes of golf and cart, unlimited use of range balls, hot lunch, including soda, beer and water. The top three teams receive cash awards.

The four-man scramble will begin at 7:30 a.m. Round-trip transportation will be furnished from Opryland Hotel to the Golf Course. All proceeds will benefit Operation Uplink. To request an application or for more information, contact: Ronnie Davis, Department of Tennessee, G-21 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243 or call (615) 242-5851.

CONTESTS AND RALLY INFORMATION

The application deadline for participation in the following competitions is July 15, 2002. Following the deadline, a schedule of starting times will be sent to all applying units within two weeks. There is no application fee and contests are open to the public. Specify the contests in which you are competing. For applications, rules and prize list, write:

J. ROBERT BRADY, CHAIRMAN

319 Tadmar Ave., Perrysville, PA 15237-1821, (412) 366-4115. Fax: 412-366-3117; e-mail: jrbrady2@juno.com

MONDAY, AUG. 26

* Senior Men's VFW Color Guards--8:00 a.m. first unit

* Senior Ladies VFW/Auxiliary Color Guards

* Junior ROTC Color Guards--Exhibition Drill/VFW Rules--Male, Female or Mixed

* Junior Drill Teams (non-JROTC)--High School, Organized Drill Teams and Majorette Corps

* Junior ROTC Armed Drill Teams--Exhibition Drill/VFW Rules--Male, Female or Mixed

* Junior ROTC Unarmed Drill Teams--Exhibition Drill/VFW Rules--Male, Female or Mixed

* Junior ROTC Individual Rifle Contest--Male

* Junior ROTC Individual Rifle Contest--Female

* Junior Duet Rifle Competition--Male, Female or Mixed

TUESDAY, AUG. 27

* Completion of contest for above units--8:00 a.m. starting time

* Patriotic Rally begins at 5:30 p.m.

* Presentation of awards by Commander-in-Chief James Goldsmith

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28

* National Ritualistic Contest--1:00 p.m.

MOTORCYCLE RIDE FOR CHILDREN

VFW's third annual motorcycle ride, which commemorates the late Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr. (adjutant general, 1981-1994), is Aug. 24 and rallies at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, Tenn. This year's theme is "Children's Ride for Victory."