Ralph Lauren receives James Smithson Bicentennial Medal

Fashionably news worthy: Mr. Ralph Lauren was honored earlier today for his lifetime contributions to American entrepreneurship, artistry, creativity and vision as well as his contributions to the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Mr. Lauren was presented with the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal by Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution G. Wayne Clough, and The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered the morning’s keynote address wearing a cobalt blue custom Ralph collection silk ensemble.

“I am humbled to receive this honor and grateful to the Smithsonian for all they do to preserve and protect our nation’s treasures,” said Ralph Lauren, chairman and CEO of the Ralph Lauren Corporation. “It has been such an honor to be part of the Star-Spangled Banner Preservation Project. Our flag has always been an inspiration to me, and now it will be an inspiration for generations to come. On its 200th anniversary, I am especially proud to see it exhibited

 in all its glory; it is a constant symbol of what makes America great—our ideals, our courage and our faith in the future.” – Mr. Ralph Lauren

The Smithsonian awarded the designer a Medal in recognition of his contributions to the American experience and to the preservation of the Star- Spangled Banner. The medal was presented today during a naturalization ceremony welcoming 15 new Americans during which former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver keynote remarks. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough and U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services officials participated in the ceremony in the National Museum of American History’s Flag Hall.

During the naturalization ceremony, 15 candidates for citizenship from 15 countries—in honor of the 15-star, 15-stripe Star-Spangled Banner—received certificates of naturalization after taking the Oath of Allegiance administered by Secretary Johnson. Murkowski will lead the Pledge of Allegiance for new citizens originally from Australia, Canada, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, India, Iraq, Italy, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Philippines, Romania, Sierra Leone and South Korea. Nashville- based Della Mae, a bluegrass-influenced rock band who served as State Department cultural ambassadors during Clinton’s tenure performed the national anthem among other selections.

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photo credit at event: AP

Mr. Ralph Lauren photo courtesy of RL