Bill Clinton: “In 1967 Harvey Lichtenstein was given an impossible task, to breathe life into the Brooklyn Academy of Music, a…”

“In 1967 Harvey Lichtenstein was given an impossible task, to breathe life into the Brooklyn Academy of Music, a neighborhood relic on the verge of being razed for tennis courts. Not only did he save the academy, he turned it into one of the most important avant-garde institutions in the entire world. In his 32 years as a charismatic impresario, visionary, and father of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, he sparked the stunning careers of Twyla Tharp, Philip Glass, Mark Morris, so many other artists Manhattan had overlooked. He launched the wonderful new Next Wave festival and the BAM Opera. He proved that art challenges can also be wildly popular. He truly changed the way we think. Although he just made his curtain call at the Brooklyn Academy, we know he will continue to be New York's stellar steward of the arts. Colonel, read the citation. [Lieutenant Colonel Everhart read the citation, and the President presented the medal.]”