Newseum to Host Annual Journalists Memorial Rededication June 8

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Monday, June 8, at 10 a.m., the Newseum will rededicate its Journalists Memorial, which recognizes men and women who died or were killed in the pursuit of news. The names of 14 journalists will be added to the memorial to represent all journalists who died covering the news in 2014.

This year's keynote speaker is Associated Press correspondent Kathy Gannon, who was seriously wounded in 2014 when an Afghan police commander opened fire on her vehicle. Gannon's colleague, AP photographer Anja Niedringhaus, was killed in the attack, and her name will be added to the memorial during the ceremony.

"The Journalists Memorial reminds us of the risks taken by journalists around the world to gather the news," said Gene Policinski, chief operating officer of the Newseum Institute. "Journalists face injury and threats, and some pay the ultimate sacrifice to hold governments and others accountable. The memorial serves each day to remind the world of their work and their sacrifice."

Among the journalists whose names are being added to the memorial are James Foley and Steven Sotloff, both of whom were killed in Syria last year while working as freelance journalists. Their parents, Art and Shirley Sotloff and John Foley, are expected to attend the ceremony.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, more than 80 journalists died reporting the news in 2014. The complete list is available in the digital kiosks in the Newseum's Journalists Memorial Gallery.

With this year's addition of 14 journalists, the memorial bears the names of 2,271 reporters, photographers, broadcasters and news executives from around the world, dating back to 1837. The journalists being recognized at this year's rededication are:

Yusuf Ahmed Abukar
Radio Ergo and Mustaqbal Radio
In Somalia

Simone Camilli
The Associated Press
In Israel

Michel du Cille
The Washington Post
In Liberia

James Foley
Freelance
In Syria

Rubylita Garcia
Remate and dwAD
In the Philippines

Nils Horner
Sveriges Radio
In Afghanistan

Camille Lepage
Freelance
In the Central African Republic

Muftah Bu Zeid
Brnieq
In Libya

Irshad Mastoi
Online International News Network and ARY News
In Pakistan

Pablo Medina
ABC Color
In Paraguay

Anja Niedringhaus
The Associated Press
In Afghanistan

Luke Somers
Freelance
In Yemen

Steven Sotloff
Freelance
In Syria

Vyacheslav Veremiy
Vesti
In Ukraine

The Newseum dedicated the Journalists Memorial on April 4, 2008, one week before the Newseum's grand opening on Pennsylvania Avenue. A previous memorial was displayed in Freedom Park at the Newseum's former site in Arlington, Va. The Journalists Memorial Gallery features hundreds of photographs of the listed journalists as well as kiosks where information on each person can be viewed. The Journalists Memorial database also is available online at newseum.org/journalistsmemorial.

About the Newseum
The mission of the Newseum is to champion the five freedoms of the First Amendment through exhibits, public programs and education. One of the top attractions in Washington, D.C., the dynamic, engaging and interactive museum allows visitors to experience the stories of yesterday and today through the eyes of the media while celebrating the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans by the First Amendment. The Newseum Institute serves as a forum for First Amendment study, exploration and education. The Newseum is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations, including the Freedom Forum. For more information, visit newseum.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150528/219261 

SOURCE Newseum