For Immediate Release: July 24, 2002
Further information: Ann Scanlon (617) 514-1662
To mark the anniversary of September 11, 2001, the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum announced today that it will host a free, memorial concert the evening of Wednesday, September 11th, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m, featuring the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Charles Ansbacher, conductor, and the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College.
The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum also announced that it will offer free admission and extended hours on Wednesday, September 11, 2002, to provide the public a fitting place for reflection and remembrance of the national tragedy. Visitors may tour the Museum at the John F. Kennedy Library during special extended hours, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., free of charge. The evening concert will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Library's Smith Center. Reservations are recommended for the concert and may be made by calling (617) 929-4571. Seating for the concert will be first-come, first-serve, with overflow seating available in the Library's theaters.
The Kennedy Library's day of remembrance is part of a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the American Association of Museums, which is promoting September 11, 2002, as an occasion to "Celebrate America's Freedoms: A Day of Remembrance."
"Last year, following September 11th, many people visited the Kennedy Library, finding comfort in the words and life of President Kennedy and in the Library's reflective, peaceful setting," said Deborah Leff, Director of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. "We are pleased to open our doors again on this somber anniversary, hoping many will find solace and a renewed sense of our nation and ourselves here at the John F. Kennedy Library."
The special and unprecedented John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for Public Service that was awarded on May 6 to the thousands of selfless public servants who demonstrated extraordinary courage and heroism in response to the tragic events of September 11 will be on display in the Pavilion. Caroline Kennedy presented the sterling silver lantern to representatives of America's public servants who responded on September 11.
"The heartbreaking events of September 11 brought to our families, to our communities, and to our nation overwhelming loss," said Ms. Kennedy, in presenting the special award. "But in those terrible moments, thousands of ordinary men and women put their own lives on the line in order that others might be spared, making real the face of courage and inspiring a new generation to want to serve others."