,

Liberty Medals handed out in Manhattan as the National Arts Club gears up for its next benefit
Debbie Tuma

Note: This is a partial of the Article posted in the Hampton's View on Tuesday, October 26, 2004


Regis Philbin, Raymond Auffret,  Award Recipient
and Mayor Bloomberg


One East Hampton author was capturing all the excitement of the "Liberty Medals," which were given out to New York City heroes last week at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan.

Barbara Lang Auffret, the daughter of a New York City policeman, who spends her time between homes in Manhattan and East Hampton, was on the scene at the big honors ceremony last weekend, to include the stories of these police and firefighters in her new book about true stories from the heroes of 9/11. Lang-Auffret has been traveling around the country for the past few years, recording the stories and photos of all the people connected to this tragedy, and she so far has hundreds of amazing accounts. Her book, the size of a dictionary, is due out by next year, and she is still looking for great stories and photos.


Regis Philbin, Cindy Adams, Award Recipient
and Mayor Bloomberg

Since the first "Liberty Medals" were handed out by the Mayor's Office to the cops and firemen right after the 9/11 disaster, the city decided to continue this tradition each year, to honor those people, including civilians, who risk their lives to help others in need. This year, at the third annual "New York Post Liberty Awards," 10 people were honored, including police men and women, firefighters, an educator from the Bronx, a young Chinese girl who helps kids, and even an ice cream truck driver in Brooklyn, Maria Campanella, who scoops up worthy causes, and fills her truck with trees and flowers to maintain public gardens, and also donates her time to local charities.

A friend of the Auffrets, also attending this event, was Bill DeLong of Rego Park, who was one of the first recipients of the "Liberty Medal" three years ago, for his charity work around the globe, working with victims of Chernobyl, to AIDS victims throughout Africa.


Regis Philbin, Maria Campamella & Mayor Bloomberg

At this ceremony, emceed by Regis Philbin and Cindy Adams, these awards were presented by them and also Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Each recipient walked up to the stage, under a tent on the lawn of the Mayor's mansion, to received a patriotic silver medal on a long red, white and blue ribbon.

"We are privileged to have so many courageous. wonderful people who take the time out of their busy lives to care about their fellow neighbors," said Mayor Bloomberg. Cindy Adams, who also lives in Bridgehampton, said her newspaper wanted to help honor these heroes each year.

Following a great cocktail reception at Gracie Mansion, Lang-Auffrett and her husband, Raymond Auffret, invited guests to their fabulous Manhattan restaurant, La Petite Auberge, which has been serving fine French food under the same management for 28 years!

 


Click here to view pdf file of the Phoenix Rotary Club acknowledging Barbara and www.heroes-nogreaterlove.com



 

Copyright(c)2003~Heroes~No Greater Love ~ All Rights Reserved