1997 Heritage Defender Award
Robert Peck: Worthy Defender
Robert A. Peck, Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service of the General Services Administration, recieved Heritage Preservation's first-annual Heritage Defender Award. A reception in his honor was held October 20 in the Senate Caucus Room on Capitol Hill.
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton sent congratulatory remarks to Mr. Peck, and Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York participated in the award ceremony, which is designed to recognize outstanding individuals outside the conservation profession whose service has made a significant impact on preserving our nation's heritage.
"As Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service at GSA, Bob has helped to ensure the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage embodied in our many public buildings – buildings which have been eye-witness to momentous events in our history," Mrs. Clinton wrote in prepared remarks, which were read at the reception.
Active in historic preservation and urban design, Peck has served as president of the D.C. Preservation League and as presidential appointee to the Commission of Fine Arts. He has worked to save and rehabilitate many Washington landmarks, including Union Station, the Willard Hotel, and the Old Post Office.
Heritage Preservation senior advisor Arthur Schultz served as master of ceremonies. Also attending the reception were Senators Thad Cochran of Mississippi and John Chafee of Rhode Island, as well as several dignitaries including J. Carter Brown, director emeritus of the National Gallery of Art.
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