From:   
THE INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM
West 46th Street and 12th Avenue at Hudson River Park

Rubenstein Communications, Inc., Public Relations
Contact:  Trey Ditto (212) 843-8063 tditto@rubenstein.com 

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(New York, NY, October 24, 2008) – The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum announced today President George W. Bush will attend its Veterans Day ceremonies on Tuesday, November 11, and be presented with the 2008 Intrepid Freedom Award.  The ceremony is part of the Intrepid Museum’s re-opening weekend festivities. 

The award recognizes world leaders who embody the ideals of world freedom and democracy.  Prior honorees include Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton, Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Margaret Thatcher and Silvio Berlusconi and Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

“We are deeply humbled that the Commander-in-Chief will visit the Intrepid on Veterans Day and accept the Intrepid Freedom Award,” said Bill White, President, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. “This is only the second time a sitting President has visited us - and we believe it says a great deal about the importance of Intrepid’s mission to support and honor our heroes - our troops and their families - educate the public and inspire our youth. We owe our troops nothing short of our gratitude and respect for their service and sacrifice for our freedoms.”

New York Governor David Paterson will also be in attendance on November 11, along with 5,000 guests and 2,500 veterans, to celebrate Veteran’s Day.  The Museum will re-open to the public on Saturday, November 8th. 

Planning note: Details of the Veterans Day ceremonies have not been finalized and will be sent in the early November.