[Archived] Friendship Fire Hosts Annual Washington Parade Day Breakfast

Barry McCaffrey to Give Keynote Speech

The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association invites the public to join in their annual breakfast on the day of the George Washington Birthday Parade! Witness the first appearance of the day by George Washington and enjoy a hearty breakfast before the parade! This year’s keynote speaker is retired U.S. Army General Barry McCaffrey who today is regularly seen as a guest commentator and military analyst on NBC News.

The breakfast event will be held on Monday, February 20, at 9 a.m., at Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites at 625 First Street in Alexandria. Tickets are $30 per person. Funds raised will benefit the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association. Tickets may be purchased online at www.friendshipfire.net or by contacting Bill Kehoe at 703.751.6416.

At the three-course breakfast, the Friendship Veterans will also be recognizing the latest class of Living Legends of Alexandria, as well as presenting the Reverend Ben Lynt Distinguished Service Award to a surprise recipient.

Barry McCaffrey (right) served in the United States Army for 32 years and retired as a four-star General. At retirement he was the most highly decorated serving General, having been awarded three Purple Heart medals for wounds received in his four combat tours, as well as twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor. He also twice was awarded the Silver Star for valor.

For five years after leaving the military, General McCaffrey served as the nation’s Cabinet Officer in charge of U.S. Drug Policy. He was confirmed for this position by unanimous vote by the U.S. Senate. For this period of public service, General McCaffrey received many honors including: the Department of Health and Human Service Lifetime Achievement Award for Extraordinary Achievements in the Field of Substance Abuse Prevention, the United States Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award, the Norman E. Zinberg Award of the Harvard Medical School, the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation's National Service Award, and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America Lifetime Achievement Award.

After leaving government service, General McCaffrey served as the Bradley Distinguished Professor of International Security Studies from January 2001 to May 2005; and then as an Adjunct Professor of International Security Studies from May 2005 to December 2010 at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Barry McCaffrey graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., in 1960; from West Point with a BS in 1964; earned an MA degree in American Government from American University; and attended the Harvard University National Security Program as well as the Business School Executive Education Program.

While no longer an active firefighting organization, the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association continues as one of the oldest fire companies in the country. The Association promotes fire and life safety education programs, awards scholarships, and maintains firefighting artifacts at Friendship Firehouse Museum. The firehouse, located at 107 South Alfred Street in Old Town Alexandria, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  It will also be open on Parade Day for free tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 703.751.6416.