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CHDS Inaugurates the New Pasillo de los Próceres
On Friday, February 22, Director Richard D. Downie invites all members of the CHDS community to join him in inaugurating the new Pasillo de los Próceres (Hall of Founders) at CHDS in Abraham Lincoln Hall. The Próceres project, which includes portraits of 42 individuals representing 35 countries in the Western Hemisphere, has been under way since December 2008, when CHDS first moved into Abraham Lincoln Hall.
Many of the portraits are gifts bequeathed to CHDS from foreign delegations who have visited, including regional Defense Ministers and the local diplomatic corps. Additionally, several have been donated by CHDS alumni associations throughout the Hemisphere. CHDS has also compiled a program of brief descriptions of each Founder and his impact on the establishment of each nation. CHDS honors the independence and national histories of the countries of the Western Hemisphere through this project, which will be a central point of focus for any visitor to the Center.
February 22, also the birthday of U.S. Prócer George Washington, is an appropriate date on which to inaugurate the Hall of Founders. CHDS seeks to recognize the extent to which the hard work of individuals continues to lay the foundation for great movements in history, whether they be for independence, democratic governance, or social equality. The event will include remarks by Director Downie and Interim Senior Vice President of NDU, Stephen R. Pietropaoli. A short reception will follow.
