President George W. Bush landed between 8:45 and 9 p.m. Wednesday at Salt Lake City International Airport. He's in town to speak to the annual convention of the American Legion. The state capital has been the battleground the past few days between people who support the president and people who are very much against the war in Iraq.

But you wouldn't know it based on the greeting the president received Wednesday. A large crowd greeted him with shouts of encouragement, and some of them waved American flags. Granted, you wouldn't expect too many protesters at a late-evening landing. But it was still nice to see Bush receive a welcome worthy of the office.

He even spoke to the crowd and said how much he enjoyed coming to Utah. But the real story for me was seeing that plane land. It was a great sight. Call me a foolish patriot when it comes to those kinds of things. Maybe it's a pride thing.

But seeing that plane — with its history and prominence in the world — land in our state made for a good evening.

No matter what you think of the president, I think it's important to be a good host. Utah got off to a good start Wednesday.