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
|