Washington, D.C. (June 1, 2015) – Five actors who have played U.S. Presidents have come together to help launch the Better World Campaign’s 2015 Thank A Peacekeeper Campaign, signaling their appreciation for the brave troops who advance peace globally. Michael Douglas from The American President, Tony Goldwyn from Scandal, Bill Pullman from Independence Day, Jimmy Smits from The West Wing and Alfre Woodard from State of Affairs each filmed a personal message of thanks to UN Peacekeepers.
“We should all thank UN Peacekeepers. Peacekeepers hold fair and free elections for people without a voice. Peacekeepers prevent children from becoming child soldiers. Peacekeepers protect women and girls from the horrors of war,” said actor Jimmy Smits, who played President Matthew Santos in The West Wing.
Bill Pullman, who starred as President Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day, added “Thank you UN Peacekeepers. You are fighting for people’s right to live and exist free from persecution. It’s because of you that so many people can celebrate their independence day.”
Alfre Woodard, who played President Constance Payton on State of Affairs continued, “Thank you UN Peacekeepers – especially for protecting women and children – some who have never before known peace.”
The actors’ message is part of the fifth year of the Better World Campaign’s Thank A Peacekeeper initiative, which raises awareness about the value of UN Peacekeeping for U.S. national security interests and for international stability and peace. To date, more than 127,000 Americans have signed thank you cards to UN Peacekeepers.
For more information on the Thank A Peacekeeper Campaign follow the hashtag #ThankAPeacekeeper on Twitter.
About the Better World Campaign
The Better World Campaign, an initiative of the Better World Fund, works to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. It encourages U.S. leadership to enhance the UN’s ability to carry out its invaluable international work on behalf of peace, progress, freedom, and justice. For more information, visit www.betterworldcampaign.org.
Media Contact:
info_bwc@unfoundation.org
