Americanism Educational League’s 79th Anniversary Dinner
The Americanism Educational League (AEL), an organization dedicated to enhancing students’ understanding of American history, held their 79th Anniversary Dinner at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles on Thursday, Nov. 2. The Honorable Edwin Meese, III, the 75th attorney general of the United States, was the guest speaker, and Glenn Ford, the late legendary actor and movie star, was honored with the American Spirit Award at the fund-raising event hosted by Robert J. Barbera, chairman of the board of trustees for the AEL and William E. Saracino, executive director of the AEL, attended by 200 supporters.
During the course of his speech, Meese reminisced about his long career and affiliation with the late President Ronald Reagan, starting from the time when Reagan became Governor of the State of California. He spoke to the crowd about the importance of patriotism and citizenship in today’s world, and thanked the Americanism Education League for their noble efforts and dedication for enhancing students’ understanding of American history.
Accepting the American Spirit Award on behalf of the late Glenn Ford’s family, Allen E. Brandstater, a longtime family friend, thanked the Americanism Educational League for honoring Glenn Ford, and his well-lived life. Brandstater said that the late actor’s son, Peter Ford, was unable to be in attendance, since his wife Linda Ford has just recently had surgery. In a letter from Peter Ford, Brandstater added: “May the spirit of Glenn and the spirit of the Americanism Educational League live on forever.”
William E. Saracino said: “We were privileged to have The Honorable Edwin Meese, III as our guest speaker this year, and happy to honor the late Glenn Ford, for his exemplary life as an American who exuded great strength of character, citizenship and patriotism for our country during his lifetime. Men like Edwin Meese and Glenn Ford are beacons of hope and role models inspiring younger generations to become self-sufficient individuals and the future leaders of our county.”