This is an important day for the Women’s Commission, because, well, we work with refugees. So today, I went with my boss to a World Refugee Event at the National Geographic Museum, which is basically across the street. It included a small awards ceremony for children who had won the National Geographic Society’s photo competition (check them out—they are really moving!). The most surprising event, though, was the performance by Tony Bennett. He received an award for his humanitarian work (he really was choked up), and then he sang “If I Ruled the World”. I kicked myself for not bringing my camera…my cell phone’s camera does not take a worthwhile photo.

The theme this year is “A New Life, A New Home”, and there are many events happening worldwide to commemorate. I had made a facebook event from the “I am helping STOP THE VIOLENCE” group (join!!). So, if you didn’t see the event information, here are the ones that are happening in the US:

• This year, UNHCR will commemorate WRD in Washington DC, San Francisco and Chicago.
  
  
• A musical performance will be organized on June 20 at Washington's Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts.
  
  
• On June 23, a free music and dance performance and exhibits by refugee artists and youth will be held in Washington.
  
  
• On June 23, the award-winning film "God Grew Tired of Us" will be screened in Washington and followed by a panel discussion. The film tells the story of the so-called lost boys of Sudan.
  
  
• In San Francisco, UNHCR Goodwill Envoy Khaled Hosseini and other guests will attend a ceremony at the World Affairs Council.
  
  
• On June 20, the International Rescue Committee, the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children and UNHCR will hold a joint WRD event at a hotel in New York. There will be a panel discussion with three refugee families from Viet Nam, Cuba and Sierra Leone, who will talk about their experiences in New York.

 And if you end up going to one of the events in DC, you’ll probably see me there. (^-^) 

~世界の革命