Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rebuilding together. It is not something you would think of when talking about the Democratic and Republican parties. But at the Democratic National Convention, it is actually the case.
The project is called "House United." Delegates, politicians, staffers and volunteers from all over the country, including Utahns, gathered together in a service project to build half of a home for an American military veteran.. Many grabbed a hardhat and a hammer, all to give back
"Maybe the leadership from both parties isn't exactly on the same page, but I think the rank and file of the parties is certainly supportive of veteran's causes," Utah delegate Glenn Wright said.
"It was meaningful for us — for Utah — because we are a state that sends a lot of veterans off to war and we do a really good job taking care of them when the come back," said Anna Thompson of the Utah Democratic Party.
It was meaningful for us — for Utah — because we are a state that sends a lot of veterans off to war and we do a really good job taking care of them when the come back.
–Anna Thompson
The group is only building half of a house because the other half was built during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition host Ty Pennington is leading the project, which he says is the first of its kind.
"Just to see both sides really pitching in and rolling up their sleeves, really making some progress, so that way when this home is delivered," Pennington said. "It is really from both sides of Americans."
Utah Democrats are hoping the service project could be symbolic of the country coming together in the future.
The two halves of the house will be united Tuesday in Belmont, North Carolina. The home will be given to a deserving veteran sometime in October.
Contributing: John Daley
