Admiral Mike Mullen to Address
64th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner
United States Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be the guest speaker at the 64th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on Thursday, October 15, 2009 beginning at 7:30PM in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
Admiral Mullen joins the ranks of distinguished Smith Dinner speakers who have shared non-partisan good humor as well as a timely message before an audience of civic, business, and social leaders. Last year, Democratic and Republican Presidential nominees Senator Barak Obama and Senator John McCain addressed the dinner.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the men and women of the U.S. military at this year’s Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner. I am looking forward to the fellowship and to the fun, but more critically, I am grateful for all the good work done every day by Foundation members. There are many ways to serve one’s country and the needs of others. The men and women of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation continue to find new ones and continue to make a difference in these very challenging times," said Admiral Mullen.
This year also marks the first Smith Dinner for Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the newly installed Archbishop of New York. The Dinner is dedicated to the memory of Al Smith, the former Governor of the State of New York who was the first Catholic to be nominated by a major political party to run for President of the United States. Although unsuccessful, historians maintain that the Governor’s presidential bid paved the way for the candidacy of President John F. Kennedy. Perpetuating Al Smith’s legacy and mission of serving “the little people,” the annual charity event and the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation have raised millions to provide support for the sick, poor, and underprivileged children in Greater New York, regardless of their race, creed, or color.
"The Smith Dinner is renowned throughout the country for its ability to bring together people of differing political opinions and parties for an evening of good fellowship, all in support of the ideals of ‘The Happy Warrior” to help those in need. I very much look forward to joining Admiral Mullen and all of our welcome guests at the Dinner,” Archbishop Dolan said.
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NOTE: THOSE WISHING TO COVER THE DINNER MAY APPLY FOR A CREDENTIAL BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO:
PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE NAME OF YOUR NEWS OUTLET AND YOUR POSITION (REPORTER, PHOTOGRAPHER, CAMERAMAN, ETC.) THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2009. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED HOW TO PICK UP YOUR CREDENTIAL ONCE IT IS APPROVED. DETAILS ABOUT PRESS CHECK-IN WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THAT TIME.
For more information on the 64th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, please visit www.alsmithdinner.org.