ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT TO DELIVER REMARKS AT EVENT TO
COMMEMORATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF OLE MISS INTEGRATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General John Ashcroft will deliver remarks at a Justice Department event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the integration of the University of Mississippi on TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. EDT in the Great Hall at Main Justice. The Attorney General and U.S. Marshals Service Director Benigno (Ben) G. Reyna will present commemorative medallions to nearly 30 surviving Deputy U.S. Marshals who guarded James Meredith when he became the first African American to integrate Ole Miss in 1962. An open symposium on the historic event will precede the Attorney General’s speech.

WHO:

Attorney General John Ashcroft

Benigno (Ben) G. Reyna, Director

United States Marshals Service

James Meredith

First African American to Integrate Ole Miss

William Doyle, Author

“An American Insurrection”

Donald R. Cole, Associate Provost

University of Mississippi

WHAT:

40th Anniversary of the Integration of the University of Mississippi

WHEN:

Tuesday, July 15, 2003

Event begins: 12:00 p.m. EDT

Media arrival: 11:00 a.m. EDT

WHERE:

The Great Hall

Main Justice Building

951 Constitution Ave NW

Washington, D.C. 20530

EVENT BACKGROUND:

In addition to the Attorney General’s remarks, Mr. Ashcroft and Director Reyna will present commemorative gold and silver medallions to former Deputy Marshals who played a significant role in the seminal events during the integration of Ole Miss.

Symposium participants will be available after the ceremony for interviews. To receive background information on the symposium participants and medallion recipients, contact David Turk at 202/307-9065.

NOTE:

Media set-up can begin at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Credentialed media should enter through the 951 Constitution Avenue entrance with ID and will be escorted to and from the event by Public Affairs staff. Riser, seating, and mult box will be provided.

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