2009 Freedom Flame Award: Herb London

2009FF_London On June 16th, the Center’s Board of Regents, under the honorary chairmanship of Ambassador Bruce Gelb, presented the organization’s Freedom Flame Award to Hudson Institute President Herb London at the Metropolitan Club in New York City.

Dr. London epitomizes the qualities this award was established to recognize. For nearly 40 years, he has stood out as one of New York’s and the nation’s most distinguished champions of freedom and Peace through Strength. Dr. Jack Templeton- last year’s recipient of the Terry Elkes Sacred Honor Award- introduced Dr. London, who gave an eloquent address, calling on all those present to emulate the honoree’s record of service, sense of duty and selfless sacrifice on behalf of his city, state and country.

Barbara Winston– one of the Center’s most dedicated and tireless advocates– was this year’s recipient of the Terry Elkes Sacred Honor Award. In her remarks, Mrs. Winston reminded the audience of the critical importance of remaining steadfast supporters of the organizations like the Center for Security Policy at a moment when its contribution to the safety and security of the nation has never been more needed.

2009FF_Silver In the presence of the family of the late actor and activist, Ron Silver, one of his distinguished colleagues, Tony LoBianco, presented Ron’s daughter Alexandra with a posthumous recognition of her father’s great courage in breaking after 9/11 with the entertainment industry’s dominant anti-American group-think. The award is called The Ron Silver Star, a tribute to those who strive to stand up for and promote love of country and national security in Hollywood. Other recipients to date of this distinction are: Mr. LoBianco, Jon Voigt, Gary Sinese, Kelsey Grammar, David Zucker, Andrew Breitbart, Roger Simon, Lionel Chetwynd and Evan Sayet.

The event was topped off by a moving video tribute to Ron Silver’s life and career produced by his accomplished collaborator in filmmaking, David Bossie of Citizens United.

The evening was made all the more special by the wonderful musical entertainment provided by Alex Donner’s band in the presence of his parents, Joe and Pam Donner, whose foundation has been an early and steadfast supporter of the Center.

Frank Gaffney used the occasion to express heartfelt thanks on behalf of the entire Center for Security Policy community to Amanda Bowman, the Center’s departing New York Director and driving force behind the inception – and huge success – of its now-national Board of Regents. Ms. Bowman will become Chief Executive Officer of The Atlantic Bridge, an important organization promoting U.S.-U.K. relations and one of the Center’s most valued international partners. We are delighted that Ms. Bowman will remain actively involved with CSP as a member of the Board of Regents.

We are also pleased to announce that Kate Edmonds, who has for several years played a major role in CSP events in New York City, will begin acting as the Center’s New York Director in September.