Salute America Festival

July 4, 2006 – Los Angeles: Artists For A Better World participated in the Salute Los Angeles-Creative Capital of the World multi-cultural festival held in Downtown LA. The event celebrated Los Angeles as the “Creative Capital Of The World” and paid tribute to the history of Los Angeles, its culture, pioneers, veterans, the first Los Angeles Independence Day, the historical Fort Moore Pioneer Monument, and the entire community of the city of Los Angeles.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa endorsed the festival in a letter: “This event provides a great opportunity to pay tribute to our history, to our creativity, and to our culturally diverse community.” In his inaugural speech on July 1, 2005, the Mayor urged Los Angeles to “Dream with Me”.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was Honorary Event Chair and Councilman Jose Huizar-District #14 was the Event Host.

The festival included City Officials and Police Department representatives, as well as other community and religious leaders and dignitaries.

On June 16th 2006, a Resolution was signed by Councilwoman Jan Perry of District #9 and Seconded by Bernard Parks of District #8, declaring July 4th 2006 as Salute Los Angeles-Creative Capital of the World day.

The festival attendees enjoyed a flag raising ceremony, Salute America awards, a Tribute to Los Angeles and to our Veterans, face painting, a street party, live musical entertainment, exhibition booths and historical re-enactment of the original dedication of Fort Moore Los Angeles, on July 4, 1847, with the re-enactors dressed in authentic period costumes. Cap Cresap, Fort Moore Garrison Artillery Commander and Dragoon Lieutenant Colonel, commanded the cannon and musket fire for this July 4 celebration.

Artists of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds provided entertainment throughout the afternoon. Artists For A Better World performers included Renee Rivera, Cory Montoya, Barbara Cordova, and Noelle North. Artists For A Better World member, Carmelita Pittman, was a featured performer at the event and sang “God Bless America” during the opening ceremony. Ms. Pittman is Founder of the The Rose Breast Cancer Society. There was a display booth representing her group.

The festival was co-produced by Artists For A Better World International member, Teddy Chambers, who is the Co-Chair for Salute Los Angeles-Creative Capital of the World and Board Member for Salute America. Ms. Chambers also works with Narconon International, a sponsor of the event. Ms. Chambers was awarded on stage for her good work. She said, “Los Angeles was and is being built by creative people from diverse cultures. Alcohol abuse and drugs destroy creativity ensuing the destruction of cultures. Narconon and like-minded groups work very hard to educate people on the truth about drugs, and rehabilitate those who have fallen into the trap of alcohol and drug addiction, giving back their life and creativity.”

Artists For A Better World maintained a display booth with information on the upcoming AFABW Arts Festival held annually at Celebrity Centre International in Hollywood. This year the festival will take place from October 4th to October 8th.

The AFABW exhibition featured fine art on display from Renee Rivera and Jocelyn Nichols. Celebrity Centre International’s Volunteer Ministers were helping at the AFABW booth giving free stress tests to the artists and public attendees.

Artists For A Better World members helping at the festival included Cory Montoya, Natali Velasco, Renee Rivera, Leah Friedman, Louise and Greg Forscher, Patti Nicklaus, Matt Bryan and Ken Gibbs.

At the end of the event Artists For A Better World was presented an “Extra Effort Award” by the Salute America committee. The award states: “The award recipient is hereby acknowledged for their extra effort and CAN DO spirit in contributing to and supporting the July 4th 2006 Salute to Los Angeles, its history, and its people and for uniting with pride to declare Los Angeles as ‘The Creative Capital Of The World.'”

Artists For A Better World International is dedicated to building a worldwide network of artists who share a vision of creating a better world through aesthetics. AFABW creates music CDs, poetry anthologies, short storybooks, visual art calendars and other collaborative creative projects that include artists from around the globe. By raising the awareness of artists and others about the power the artist has in forwarding social betterment and by working with and supporting community service activities, AFABW and its members are making and inspiring positive changes in society. AFABW welcomes ideas and suggestions from any and all artists, art enthusiasts and social betterment groups about ways we can work together to create a better world.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to L. Ron Hubbard Library for permission to reproduce selections from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard. The Way to Happiness is a trademark owned by The L. Ron Hubbard Library and is used with its permission. Programmed in USA.