Obama visit to Glacier? GPI figures that it doesn't hurt to ask
Glacier Park Inc. has invited President Barack Obama to visit the Park this summer.
Company President Cindy Ognjanov sent Obama a letter on Montana to the President.
"Traditionally our National Parks have been places that people retreat to when times are not so good. They have always been a place where our citizens can go to enjoy the natural beauty, peace, and solitude that they offer — they are truly a healing place. We heard you talk about your experience as a child when your Mother and Grandmother took you to Yellowstone and the great memories you have of that excursion. We need your help to encourage all of America to get their children into our Parks," Ognjanov wrote.
The company also touts its two-for-one specials. This summer GPI has partnered with several businesses that offer activities in and around Glacier, from golfing to river rafting to meal deals.
The company also looks at it as an opportunity to relive former President Frankin Delano Roosevelt's fireside chats.
FDR came to Glacier in 1934 and gave one of his famous fireside chats from what was then the Two Medicine Chalet.
"Our Lodges are magnificent structures and any one of them would be an ideal location for this historic event allowing you to demonstrate to the American people your alternative energy philosophy while stimulating the tourism industry and recognizing a pioneer of the National Park system," Ognjanov wrote.
This would not be Obama's first invite to Montana. Shortly after he was elected, Congressman Denny Rehberg invited the President back to the state to go fly fishing. During the campaign Obama visited Montana on several occasions.
Alicia Thompson, marketing director for GPI, said the company would be "excited for a response and thrilled to have him visit."
Plans for a commemoration of FDR's visit are already underway by the current owners of the red touring cars FDR and his entourage rode in 1934.
The event, which is separate from GPI at this point, is a recreation of FDR's ride over the Going-to-the-Sun Road during his visit.