Boeing Partners with the Trust for the National Mall to Highlight Importance of America's Front Yard

PBS Message Airing July Fourth Weekend to Remind Viewers of the National Mall's Historical Significance

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Boeing is partnering with the Trust for the National Mall to highlight the historical importance of the National Mall during the July Fourth holiday. 

Boeing created a message that will air before and after the live 2011 telecast of "A Capitol Fourth: America's Independence Day Celebration" on Monday, July 4, 2011. A Capitol Fourth, produced by Capital Concerts, Inc. and WETA and also sponsored by Boeing, is an annual Independence Day concert tradition held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol that airs nationwide on local public television stations beginning at 8 pm EDT (check local listings). This year's program will feature Jimmy Smits, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Josh Groban, Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Little Richard, The Broadway Cast of Million Dollar Quartet, Kelli O'Hara, Mark Ballas, Chelsie Hightower, and the Choral Arts Society of Washington.

The 15-second spot, entitled "Celebrate" emphasizes the significant role that the National Mall plays in the American narrative, including hosting important events such as Martin Kuther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, First Amendment demonstrations, and Presidential Inaugurations.

"The National Mall is home to all Americans – a place to celebrate our heritage and pay respect to our nation's heroes," said Tim Keating, Boeing senior vice president of Government Operations and a board member of the Trust for the National Mall. "It's an evolving national treasure and on this Fourth of July, it needs our support."

"This Independence Day, 1.4 million people will come to the National Mall to celebrate America. July Fourth is a day of pride for America, and the National Mall brings that pride to life," said Caroline Cunningham, President of the Trust for the National Mall. "After decades of service, the National Mall has been loved to death. We are grateful to the Boeing Company for their leadership in raising awareness about the need to restore and improve the National Mall."

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles, and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing operates the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing has customers in more than 90 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales.

The Trust for the National Mall is the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall. The agency estimates that the Mall, which hosts 30 million annual visitors, needs $400 million for deferred maintenance and additional funds to meet visitor needs. To date, the Trust for the National Mall leveraged $60 million in federal funds for restoration projects on the National Mall. Visit www.nationalmall.org for more information.

SOURCE Trust for the National Mall