General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Thanks Museums for Being "Blue Star"

The following letter was shared with museums that are part of Blue Star Museums. The Burchfield Penney is a proud partner of Blue Star Museums. For more about this program which offers free admission to our museum to active duty military, click here. Click here to read General Dempsey's letter.

TO: Blue Star Museum Directors

FROM: Jane Chu, Chairman, The National Endowment for the Arts

DATE: Wednesday, July 30, 2014

As the new Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, I want to thank you personally for your wonderful participation in the 5 Year Anniversary Summer of the NEA's Blue Star Museums program.

By opening your doors to welcome service members and their families you are providing an important opportunity for military families to experience the country's great cultural resources while also saying thanks to the military community that sacrifices so much on behalf of our nation.

With your help, Blue Star Museums has grown into a nationally recognized program which active duty service members and their families look forward to each year.

I am proud to announce that your service and support for our military community is being recognized by the highest ranking military officer in the US Armed Forces. I am pleased to share the attached message from General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Thanks to our partner, Blue Star Families, his letter represents the first time the museum community's service to the nation has received such outstanding recognition from the Department of Defense at its highest level.

With deep appreciation,

Jane Chu
Chairman
The National Endowment for the Arts