Rediscover NYC: The Intrepid As It Prepares To Honor Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington and Dana Canedy at Intrepid last October. Photo: US Army.

There’s lots always going on at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. So on your rediscovery of the Big Apple, make it one of your stops.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of history, science and service as related to its home aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid, a National Historic Landmark. The Museum features original artifacts, view historic video footage, and explore interactive exhibits.

Intrepid served three tours of duty in Vietnam from 1966–1969.

Recently the museum honored superstar actor Denzel Washington with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Denzel Washington, already an honorary Sergeant Major in the US Army, is to be given a Lifetime Achievement Award at Hell’s Kitchen’s Intrepid Museum next month.

The two-time Academy Award winner will be honored on May 26 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s annual Salute to Freedom Gala. Washington will receive the 2022 Intrepid Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate pioneering achievements in their field of endeavor, a lifetime of distinguished service furthering the nation, and a long-term commitment to supporting others.

“There is no one more deserving of our 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award than Denzel Washington,” said Susan Marenoff-Zausner, president of the Intrepid Museum. “His dedication to honoring the military and serving the community, and his unreserved readiness to be of service on their behalf, is nothing short of inspiring. We are honored to recognize his outstanding efforts that exceed the call of duty.”

Washington’s Intrepid award follows him being recognized as an Honorary Sergeant Major. He is only the second civilian to be given the distinction — Elaine Rogers, the CEO of USO Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore, received the award in 2018. Other recipients include retired Army generals such as General Frederick Krosen, the former Army vice chief of staff, and Army Ranger Hall of Fame recipient Lt General David Grange, Jr.

The honor was announced last October by Sgt Major of the Army Michael Grinston at the Annual Association of the US Army conference held at Intrepid. Speakers cited Washington’s work with the Fisher House Foundation — a global organization dedicated to building housing for military and veteran families while loved ones receive medical care — as evidence of his long-standing support, respect, and dedication to service people and veterans. Washington also received accolades for his work on A Journal for Jordan, an upcoming film also starring Michael B Jordan that follows the life story and journal of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King, a soldier killed in Iraq who left behind a series of poignant letters for his son. 

“Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I’m a soldier now,” said Washington of his new title and his relationship with military families. “Call me when you need me — we all are free because of the sacrifices that you’ve made.” 

About the Author

Ann is a freelance writer who started her professional career at the NY Trend more than two decades ago. Ann has since gone on to write for a number of major outlets including: Black Enterprise, Essence, MadameNoire, Pathfinders, Frequent Flier, Playboy, The Source, Girl, Upscale, For Harriet, The Network Journal, AFKInsider, Africa Strictly Business, AFKTravel, among others.