We hope all Freepers will contact the French Embassy, voicing your displeasure with this planned event.
In addition to the abov e fax number, the phone number to the Embassy is:
202-944-6000
We hope all Freepers will contact the French Embassy, voicing your displeasure with this planned event.
In addition to the abov e fax number, the phone number to the Embassy is:
202-944-6000
Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence: Celebrating a Memorable Man and a Remarkable Career
9/14/2005 2:50:00 PM
To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor, Entertainment Reporter
Contact: Peter Hamm of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, 202-898-0792
News Advisory:
The columnist Art Buchwald is celebrating his 80th Birthday on Sept. 28. His birthday party is going to be a fitting fiesta, at the Embassy of France in Washington D.C., with lions of journalism and politics in attendance.
Outside, there will be some protesters -- clearly, people who haven't read enough Buchwald columns to learn how to lighten up.
Columnist Mark Shields will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Mike Wallace and Ben Bradlee will share reminiscences. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend will tell stories about Buchwald the babysitter. The event is being hosted by a who's who of journalism and politics spanning the better part of a century.
Since he lived in France for so many years when he worked for the New York Herald Tribune, the French Embassy offered to host a party. Buchwald said he wanted it to be a fundraiser for the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a favorite charity. When word leaked out about the party, a group called the Second Amendment Sisters sent a strong letter of protest to the French Ambassador, attacking the party's link to gun violence prevention efforts.
Mr. Buchwald was delighted. "I never heard of the Sisters, but a friend told me their Nunnery was in Dodge City, next to the O.K. Coral, and they kept their guns under their habits," he said. He added "their protest will make my 80th birthday more memorable."
WHAT: Art Buchwald's 80th Birthday Party
WHEN: Wednesday, September 28, 6:30 PM
WHERE: Embassy of France, Washington D.C.
Accredited journalists who wish to cover the event should contact Peter Hamm or Zach Ragbourn in the Brady Center Communications office at 202-898-0792.