U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood to Present Medals to Mariners
U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, D.C.
www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm
Contact: Olivia Alair
Tel.: (202) 366-0100
Email:
Olivia.Alair@dot.gov
**Media Advisory**
U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood to Present Medals to Mariners Who
Participated in Rescue of Passengers and Crew of USAIR Flight 1549
On Wednesday, May 13, 2009, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will present Merchant Marine Outstanding Achievement Medals to civilian mariners who participated in the rescue of the passengers and crew of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson. The event will be held at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.
Within minutes of the crash of US Airways Flight 1549 last January, civilian mariners on the Hudson River responded to the scene and began the work of rescuing survivors from the downed aircraft. Many of the civilian vessels also volunteered to ferry New York City first responders, fire and police personnel to the crash site. Their actions helped save the lives of all 155 passengers and crew members aboard.
The Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement recognizes individuals who have made extraordinarily valuable contributions to the merchant marine. In all, 72 civilian mariners who participated in the rescue of the passengers and crew from Flight 1549 will receive medals. On Wednesday, seven representatives from companies and private vessels involved in the rescue effort will join Sec. LaHood and other officials on-stage to receive medals in an official ceremony.
Media: Please RSVP to Olivia Alair at olivia.alair@dot.gov.
WHAT: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will honor mariners who participated in the rescue of the passengers and crew of US Airways Flight 1549.
WHO: Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation
New York Governor David A. Paterson
New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine
Bill White, President, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
James E. Caponiti, Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator, MARAD
Michael Sacco, Seafarer’s International Union
Arthur E. Imperatore, Sr., President, New York Waterway
Merchant Marine Honorees
WHEN: Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Media Pre-Set: 9:00AM
Program Begins: 10:00AM
WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Pier 86, 12th Avenue and W. 46th Street
New York, NY
MEDIA LOGISTICS:
Parking will be available to press only on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum employee parking lot located on the East side of 12th Avenue (West Side Highway), between 45th and 46th Streets.
On arrival, media should proceed to the front entrance of the Museum to be checked-in and escorted to the event. Additional logistical questions can be referred to Luke Sacks at Intrepid Museum: (646) 241-6054.
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