Events DC Launches Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Project

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of the District of Columbia, hosted a luncheon this afternoon with Mayor Muriel Bowser and honored guests from the Kennedy family to announce the launch of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial project. Events DC will work closely with the Kennedy family and members of a newly launched Memorial Committee to drive interest, support, and ultimately approval of a living, interactive memorial. This monument will serve both as a place of remembrance and a place of teaching and practicing the civil rights and equality ideals Robert F. Kennedy championed.

"I am proud to know that Robert F. Kennedy's legacy will continue to live on in Washington, DC," said Mayor Muriel Bowser. "For many, Robert F. Kennedy reflects the values of this city and our nation – equality, justice, and inclusive prosperity. The redevelopment of the RFK Campus and new memorial will allow us to once again honor Senator Kennedy's many contributions to this country for generations to come."

With D.C. United departing the RFK Stadium in 2018, Events DC has worked with the community to re-imagine the future of the entire RFK Campus project. The RFK Memorial will serve as an anchor of development on the 190-acre RFK Stadium campus and as the centerpiece of five short-term program elements that Events DC conceives as part of a community re-imagining over the next two to five years.  The RFK Memorial will act as an everlasting tribute to the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, a lifelong champion for civil rights and equality, and breathe new life onto the RFK Campus, serving residents and visitors for generations to come. 2018 also marks the 50^th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy's death.

"The time is right to establish a lasting memorial and tribute to Bobby Kennedy's legacy," said Max Brown, chairman of the Board of Directors of Events DC. "Much like how he lived his life giving back to others, this memorial will educate the public on his contributions and commitment to democratic ideals and a system to government open to all. We are honored to be a part of such an important and exciting project."

"Establishing the RFK Memorial on the campus where RFK Stadium once stood is not only logical, but essential," remarked Gregory A. O'Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC. "We believe the interactive memorial will attract and engage residents and visitors from across the globe on the life and contributions of an exceptional American leader, and also provide a meaningful place for the community to gather."

"On behalf of my family, we are delighted and appreciative to begin this journey in building this memorial in tribute to my late grandfather," said Maeve Kennedy McKean, granddaughter to the late Robert F. Kennedy. "My grandfather lived his life every day in the service of others and it is our hope that this memorial will not only be a place of remembrance, but also for teaching and practicing the ideals that he fought for his whole life in public service. My family remains active members of the local Washington, DC community, residing only eight blocks away from the RFK Campus – and therefore we truly look forward to the revitalization and vibrancy of the future site."

The RFK Memorial project is part of the greater RFK Campus future redevelopment plan that will be under development for approximately five to seven years. Events DC has identified three potential sites within the RFK Stadium campus as worthy locations for the Memorial which will be evaluated as part of the design process. With a design effort led by OMA, the Memorial's design will be interactive and tech-focused, and will have a contemplative quality with instructive components to educate the next generation about the life of Robert F. Kennedy.

ABOUT EVENTS DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, deliver premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding Festival Grounds, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and Maloof Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. The most recent addition is Gateway DC, an innovative and versatile space featuring a covered and open-air pavilion in the center of a 1-acre park, conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com or find us on social media – Facebook (Events DC), Twitter (@TheEventsDC) and Instagram (@EventsDC).

Media Contact: Ashley Forrester, [email protected], 202-249-3178

SOURCE Events DC

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