On Friday, September 13, at 9:00 a.m., Secretary Michael R. Pompeo will launch the “Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy” initiative at the U.S. Department of State in the Harry S Truman Building in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Daniel B. Smith, Director of the Foreign Service Institute, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The inaugural event features the first “Hero” Elizabeth “Lizzie” Slater in conversation with Director General Carol Z. Perez. Lizzie will discuss her actions following the embassy bombings in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi in 1998 as she helped re-build the communications systems for both embassies, as well as the professional values she modeled throughout her career.
The “Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy” initiative will run through 2020. This initiative highlights the stories of modern-day “Heroes Among Us,” alongside heroic figures from our Department’s rich history. These individuals displayed sound policy judgment, as well as intellectual, moral and/or physical courage while advancing the Department of State’s mission, thereby elevating U.S. diplomacy.
The event is open to the press. Pre-set time for cameras is 8:00 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance. Final access time for writers and stills is 8:30 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance. Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued photo media credential (e.g., Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), or (2) an official photo identification card issued by their news organization, or (3) a letter from their employer on official letterhead verifying their current employment as a journalist.
Additionally, press must present an official government photo identification card (i.e., U.S. driver’s license or passport).
For more information, please contact State Department Office of Press Relations, 202-647-2492. For questions about the initiative, direct your inquiries to HeroesofDiplomacy@state.gov or visit www.state.gov/HeroesofUSDiplomacy.