FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2024
Secretary Lloyd Austin and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell to Receive Peace Through Strength Award at 2024 Reagan National Defense Forum
Award Ceremony will Accompany Keynote Remarks from the U.S. Secretary of Defense
WASHINGTON — The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will deliver the keynote address for the 2024 Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF) at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Secretary Austin and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell will also be honored with the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Award, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the state of our national defense and our men and women in uniform. “After his service in uniform, Secretary Austin continued to serve his country, leading our military as America faces an unprecedented array of challenges. Leader McConnell has dedicated his career to advancing American strength and promoting freedom around the globe,” said Roger Zakheim, director of the Reagan Institute. “In their own ways, each of this year's awardees embody peace through strength in a time of transition, and I look forward to hearing their thoughts on the threats facing America and the world as they transition out of some of our country's most senior leadership posts.”
Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III is the 28th Secretary of Defense and previously served in the Army for over four decades. His career included serving as the Commanding General of United States Forces–Iraq and as Commander of U.S. Central Command. This is Secretary Austin’s fourth appearance at RNDF, more than any previous Secretary of Defense. In past years, Secretary Austin has addressed America’s need for modernizing defense capabilities and the importance of establishing strategic partnerships abroad.
Senator Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate Republican Leader in history, has spent over 30 years advocating for robust defense, military modernization, and strengthening alliances such as NATO. Like President Reagan, Leader McConnell champions “peace through strength” as a cornerstone of U.S. security, calling for a robust U.S. military capable of countering global threats and supporting American leadership worldwide.
RNDF brings together leaders from across the political spectrum and key stakeholders in the defense community, including Members of Congress, current and former Administration officials, senior military officials, business and industry leaders, technology innovators, and national security policy experts. The Peace Through Strength Award recognizes the contributions to America’s security from national defense leaders, including former Secretaries of Defense and State, congressional leaders, and Department of Defense officials.
Attendance at RNDF is by invitation only. Media who wish to attend must RSVP HERE, and a member of the media relations team will follow up to confirm credentials.
What: The Reagan National Defense Forum
Who: Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Leader Mitch McConnell, Members of Congress, civilian and military leadership of the Department of Defense, former officials, scholars, defense industry leaders, and members of the press
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, approximately 12:00 PM PT
Where: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065
About the Reagan Foundation and Institute
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.
A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives. In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions.
An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew as Air Force One to 26 countries. Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Academy.
More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org
Contact:
Claude Chafin
Chafin@invariantgr.com
