On Sunday, February 25, the George Washington Masonic Memorial will commemorate the 275th birthday of George Washington with the presentation of the first George Washington Memorial Award. The new award was created to honor individuals who have promoted the virtues, character and vision of George Washington. The recipient is New York author Richard Brookhiser for his book, Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington. Prior to the presentation, Brookhiser will give a talk on Washington. In addition, the traditional wreath laying ceremony will also be held. The ceremony will take place at the base of the 17ft. bronze statue of George Washington in the main entrance hall.
Honorable William D. Euille, mayor of Alexandria, will participate in this final event of the city's month-long George Washington Birthday Celebration. Other distinguished guests and speakers will include Sharon Sobel, chair of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee; James Rees, executive director of Mount Vernon; Michael Brumback, president of the George Washington Masonic Memorial Association; George Seghers, executive director of the Memorial Association; and the Grand Master of Masons from Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
The event will begin at 2 pm in the Memorial Theater. Prior to that, Brookhiser will host a book signing from 1:15 pm ñ 2 pm. Books will be available for purchase. Guests will adjourn to Memorial Hall for the wreath laying ceremony. A reception will be held in Assembly Hall after the program. The event is free and open to the public.
Patterned after the lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt, the Memorial houses an outstanding collection of Washington artifacts, beautiful stained glass windows and murals and many displays from Masonic organizations. The observation deck on the ninth floor has a commanding view of Old Town and the surrounding area.
Admission is free. The Memorial is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm except major holidays. For more information, please call 703-683-2007 or visit www.gwmemorial.org