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Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, SLDN to Honor President Truman’s Desegregation of U.S. Military

CONTACT: Paul DeMiglio, Sr. Communications Manager
PHONE: (202) 621-5408 - office / (614) 329-6541 - cell

Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network to Honor President Truman's Desegregation of U.S. Military

Washington, D.C. - The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) are partnering to present the Freedom to Serve Forum, which commemorates the 61st anniversary of President Truman's signing of Executive Order 9981 that ended racial segregation in the armed forces. President Truman's courage and leadership in standing up for equality provides insight into today's fight to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, which bans gay and lesbian Americans from serving openly in the military.

WHAT: Freedom to Serve Forum
WHERE: Harry S. Truman Library and Museum - Independence, MO
WHEN: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., July 27, 2009

Scholars, historians and retired military officers will explore the history of discrimination in the military, examine how the armed forces have adapted to integration of racial minorities and women, and discuss remaining diversity challenges in the military.

Confirmed or invited speakers:

• Michael Beschloss - presidential historian, PBS and NBC News commentator
• Special guests Clifton Truman Daniel (grandson of President Truman) and daughter Aimee Daniel (great-granddaughter of President Truman)
• Maj. Gen. Vance Coleman (Ret.) - served in segregated Army unit prior to Truman's executive order ending racial segregation in the military.
• Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director
• Juan Williams - NPR and Fox News commentator

For a complete list of speakers or to RSVP, contact SLDN Senior Communications Manager Paul DeMiglio at (202) 621-5408 (office), (614) 329-6541 (cell), or at pdemiglio@sldn.org.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.sldn.org) is a national, non-profit legal services and policy organization dedicated to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." A journalists' guide is available here.

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