For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Deborah Deal Blackwell, APR or Claire Gimble
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WASHINGTON, D.C., September 17, 2009 — The White House Commission on Remembrance invites families of U.S. military who have lost loved ones in the line of duty and the general public to A Time of Remembrance, an event to honor the sacrifices of the fallen and their families on Saturday, September 26, 2009.
The Remembrance ceremony, to be held at noon on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, will feature dignitaries such as General Ann Dunwoody, the first female four-star general in U.S. history; American business leader Ross Perot; actor/activist Kevin Bacon; His Excellency Samir Shakir al-Sumaydi, Ambassador from Iraq; and Jeanne Phillips, the columnist Dear Abby. Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other Service Chiefs will honor children of the fallen with a specially created Gold Medal of Remembrance. The Commission is an independent, non-partisan government organization established by Congress in the year 2000 to honor the sacrifices of America’s fallen and their families throughout our country’s history.
Tickets are free to all, including the general public, but must be obtained prior to entering the grounds. For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.remember.gov.
“This tribute is intended to show families that their fellow Americans care about their loss,” said Carmella LaSpada, Commission Director. “A Time of Remembrance unites Americans across generations, cultures and party lines in a celebration of the lives of those who died for our freedom, and the celebration of that freedom. The Commission welcomes all Gold Star Families and the general public, and wishes to extend an invitation to all Gold Star Families who missed previous events.”
Organizers for the event expect participation from approximately 3,000 family members of those who died in action, or later died from their wounds or suicide. In addition to those families from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the group will be joined by a descendant of a fallen hero from every war dating back to 1776.
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The program’s highlights include:
- Kevin Bacon, actor and musician;
- The presentation of the Gold Medal of Remembrance to children of the fallen;
- A descendant of the fallen from each of America’s wars, beginning with a descendent of Nathan Hale from the Revolutionary War;
- As a replica of the Liberty Bell is rung, wounded warriors from each Service will salute.
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Press Contact: Claire Gimble
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