On behalf of the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Commission, I am pleased to inform you that on July 9, 2014, the Congress of the United States will formally be presenting its highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal to Raoul Wallenberg.
On July 9, 1944, Raoul Wallenberg arrived in Budapest to begin what is now recognized as the largest life-saving action during the Holocaust; hence the significant of presenting the Gold Medal 70 years later to the day will allow the world to properly honor the heroism of this great man.
As you know the Wallenberg Commission was established in 2012 to honor Raoul Wallenberg’s centennial and was the driving force behind the efforts to commemorate Wallenberg with the Congressional Gold Medal – legislation introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Gregory Meeks – keeping with our mission of “reminding the world never to forget” a man who represents the motto “one man can make a difference. ”
In conjunction with the office of Speaker John Boehner and the Congressional leadership, we invite you to participate at the official Ceremony which will be held at July 9, 2014 3pm in the United States Capitol followed by a Congressional reception 4pm.
Please note: The date July 9, 2014 is not public until you receive the official invitation. This email is for planning purposes ONLY.
There is a limited number of official invites and we anticipate national and international attention including the participation of high-level guests. You are receiving this invite as a Wallenberg Board Member or a friend and supporter of the Board.
The invitation is not transferable.
It is imperative that you RSVP by May 22, 2014 and inform us of your participation. Please RSVP by replying this email.
Upon receiving your RSVP, it will be submitted for review and allow you to be put on the official list which will result in an official Congressional invitation.
You will receive confirmation if you were selected for the official invite and you will receive notification via email. In order to be granted entry to the Ceremony, you will need to RSVP to that email promptly as well.
Due to the very limited amount of seating available, we kindly request that you RSVP only if you are actually planning to travel to Washington on July 9. Reserving a seat and not participating will cause you to preclude someone else from participating at this historic commemoration.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Peter Rebewurzel
Chairman
Ezra Friedlander
CEO, The Friedlander Group
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