Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell and Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger on Sunday and Monday evening attended two celebrations to honour the 41st President George H.W. Bush's (86) leadership on volunteerism and public service. The main event was held at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts on Monday.
"All Together Now – A Celebration of Service," assembled the former presidents for the first time since the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
President Bill Clinton, the honorary chair, was joined by President and Mrs. George W. Bush and President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, as well as the honouree and his wife, Barbara Bush. President Obama is out of the U.S. on official business and took part through a video message.
In 1989 President George H.W. Bush's inaugural address invoked the vision of a "thousand points of light." President Bush established the Daily Point of Light Award for individuals making a difference. The award is now administered by Points of Light Institute.
In 2009 President Obama signed the historic Edward M. Kennedy Serve American Act heralding in the next phase of the U.S. renewed call to service.
On Sunday evening President of Parliament Arrindell and Vice Prime Minister Heyliger were two of five persons that were acknowledged by President Bush's son Neil Bush at the pre-formal black tie celebration.
The Points of Light Institute helps people get involved in solving some of the world's challenges. Via its 'HandsOn Network,' is the largest volunteer network in the U.S. and includes more than 250 HandsOn Action Centers in 16 countries.
HandsOn includes a powerful network of more than 70,000 corporate, faith and non-profit organizations that are answering the call to serve and creating meaningful change in their communities. Annually, the network delivers approximately 30 million hours of volunteer service valued at about US$600 million.
"The institute and its vision focus on volunteerism and civic engagement and putting people at the center of community problem-solving. It is a privilege for the Vice Prime Minister and I to be able to represent our country at this event and at the same time it allows us to network with different personalities," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Tuesday.
The main gala dinner event and presentation will be aired on NBC TV March 28.
