Mr. Howard Schultz delivers remarks.

Starbucks Chairman co-hosts WW1CC event to support National WWI Memorial in Washington DC 

By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, United States World War One Centennial Commission

On Monday, June 18th, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz endorsed the new National WWI Memorial in Washington DC, by headlining an event on the USS Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum in New York City.

As keynote speaker, he stated "America honors veterans of every major war with a National Memorial in Washington, DC except one, World War I. Thanks to the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, we will finally honor our World War I veterans, a tribute long overdue".

U.S. World War I Centennial Commission Vice Chair Edwin Fountain gives remarks.Schultz, who has served as Starbucks CEO, Executive Chairman, and global strategist since the coffee chain's beginning, is the son of a former U.S Army veteran. During his tenure, the Starbucks company has been a major supporter of veterans issues, and veteran hiring.

Mr. Schultz was joined by Centennial Commission special advisor, Admiral Mike Mullen, USN (Ret), who served as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Mullen stated "I am honored to work with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission in such a worthy and essential undertaking for our Nation. The National World War I Memorial will honor the sacrifice of our World War I veterans to ensure that the war is never forgotten"

The gala event brought together more than two hundred people from across the spectrum of business, philanthropy, military, and cultural communities. Among the guests attending the event were creative-advertising legend Robert Lenz, as well as Sandra Pershing, the granddaughter-in-law to General John Pershing, Mr. Wes Moore, CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, and the Honorable Carol Moseley Braun, former U.S. Ambassador and U.S. Senator.

Representing the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, Vice Chair Edwin Fountain and Executive Director Dan Dayton delivered remarks, and were joined in the festivities by Commissioners Dr. Libby O'Connell, Ambassador Todd Sedgwick, and Dr. Matt Naylor.

Dayton's enthusiasm for the project was clear in his comments from the dais,"America is not a country who forgets its veterans, ever. We have raised more than $20 million from those who have answered the call to help build a National World War I Memorial".

Admiral Mike Mullen (right) speaks to the audience before introducing Howard Schultz..

Audience members listen to the presentation

Audience members listen to the presentation

U.S. World War I Centennial Commission Executive Director Daniel Dayton addresses the guests aboard the USS Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum in New York City.