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The Salt Lake City International Airport has been told to prepare for a visit by President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who apparently plan to attend next month's American Legion National Convention at the Salt Palace.

Airport spokeswoman Barbara Gann said Friday the Secret Service has given the airport the "pre-planning heads up" for a visit Aug. 30.

"We were informed by the Secret Service the president 'and Rice are" coming," Gann said.

Bush last visited Utah in August 2005 to speak to the Veterans of Foreign Wars at the Salt Palace. Then, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson called for "the biggest demonstration this state has ever seen." Some 2,000 anti-war protesters joined him at Pioneer Park, drawing national media attention.

Anderson hopes for even more demonstrators next month and vows to help organize a protest if needed.

"I certainly hope there is an effective expression of opposition to where this country is headed right now under the Bush administration," he said Friday. "When that happens in Salt Lake City, people pay attention all over the world. Of course, I would be very pleased to add my voice."

Anderson has a laundry list of complaints about Bush's presidency, from the war in Iraq to cuts in community block grants to tax cuts for the wealthy to environmental policies.

The American Legion, a veterans organization, is hosting its 88th annual convention in Utah's capital from Aug. 25 to 31.

Legion spokeswoman Ramona Joyce said the White House has not confirmed the president's visit with the American Legion. "Until we have confirmation from the White House, I can't say for sure they have accepted."

Joyce said the president is always invited to speak to the national convention and he usually attends. She said he missed last year's because it was in Hawaii.

Presidential spokesman Peter Watkins said Friday the White House does not confirm Bush's travel until closer to the actual event. Typically, the White House releases the travel schedule a week ahead.

Joyce estimates 13,000 to 14,000 Legionnaires will attend the Salt Lake City convention. "We pretty much sell out a town. The economic impact is great. I'm sure it's several million dollars."

Joyce was aware of Anderson's involvement in the protest last year. When asked about demonstrations next month, she said: "If folks from Salt Lake City or Utah protest the president coming, that's their prerogative."

She noted, however, the Legionnaires won't be participating. "We don't invite somebody and then slam them. He's the commander in chief. We support our troops. We support the global war on terror."

Fred Mason is chairman of the executive committee of American Legion Post 112 in South Salt Lake. He hopes Bush finds time to visit. "We need the support of the president for our veterans."

Mason says he won't be offended by a demonstration "as long as that protest doesn't infringe on my rights."

"Mayor Anderson has every right to protest. We fought for his freedom. It's called the First Amendment."

Tribune reporter Thomas Burr contributed to this story.