Newswise — WHAT: A unique conference, America’s First Ladies: In Service to Our Nation organized by American University School of Public Affairs in partnership with the American University Library, the White House Historical Association, Joining Forces, the George W. Bush Institute, and the National Archives and Records Administration.

WHO: First Lady Michelle Obama and former First Lady Laura Bush will participate in a conversation about the long tradition of America’s First Ladies supporting troops, veterans, and military families. Earlier in the day, speakers and panelists will include historians, journalists, former White House staff members, and veterans.

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, 9:30 a.m. EST

WHERE: The National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., 20408 (Special Events Entrance is on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Street NW, Washington, D.C.) and also streaming live online: www.american.edu/FLOTUS

Background: This is the 6th in American University’s Legacies of America’s First Ladies series of discussions examining the initiatives and inspirations of presidential spouses. America’s First Ladies: In Service to Our Nation will focus on the role of the president’s wife as the spouse of the Commander in Chief. The conference will highlight the actions that first ladies have taken throughout history to support and empower America’s service members, veterans, and their families, including First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative and Mrs. Bush’s ongoing work on behalf transitioning service members through the Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative.

“Throughout our history first ladies have used their platform to advocate for important issues affecting the nation. I am delighted that once again American University, together with our partners, is hosting this conference that will examine and honor the work of our first ladies and their power to shape societal attitudes and affect change,” says Conference Chair Anita McBride, an Executive-in-Residence at American University School of Public Affairs and former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush.

Members of the media interested in covering this event must RSVP by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Sept. 14th to [email protected] or 202-885-5943.

American University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the United States and nearly 140 countries. Located in Washington, D.C., the university provides opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation’s capital and around the world.

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About the George W. Bush InstituteHoused within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the George W. Bush Institute is an action-oriented, nonpartisan policy organization with the mission of cultivating leaders, advancing policy, and taking action to solve today’s most pressing challenges. The work is achieved through three Impact Centers – Domestic Excellence, Global Leadership, and our Engagement Agenda – by which the Bush Institute engages the greater community with its important work.