AARP’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: THE AMERICAN JOURNEY
AARP Celebrates 50 Years in Style
On Thursday, September 4, 2008, approximately 7,500 AARP members and staff came out in the blazing sun for AARP’s 50th Anniversary celebration on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. The event was part of AARP’s Life@50+ National Event & Expo at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
The 90 minute program included entertainer Wynonna Judd, TV personality Leeza Gibbons, singer Jamia, tennis player Martina Navratilova, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, actress Sally Field, Olympic gold – medalist Dara Torres, NASCAR legend Richard Petty, and singing legend Patti Austin. Martin Luther Kings Jr’s daughter Elder Bernice King also read an excerpt from her father’s “I have a dream” speech, in honor of its 45th anniversary.
According to AARP events vice president CB Wismar, the gathering had several purposes. “First, is the 50th birthday of AARP, which caps off a year’s worth of activity on our part. It’s about pulling all our staff and members together on the Mall,” he says. “Our theme is also focused on champions that have made their mark as individuals.”
