World Refugee Day 2004 National Activity Plan: United States of America

On 16 June, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie will launch World Refugee Day celebrations with Secretary of State Colin Powell (schedule permitting) and a resettled refugee living in the United States at 10 am at the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC.

They will present awards to the three winners of the fourth annual World Refugee Day poster contest. Based on this year's contest theme, "To Feel at Home", students from grades 4-12 designed posters reflecting the warm sentiment of home and refuge. The event will be held at the National Geographic Museum's Explorers Hall and will be followed by a press conference. The posters will be on display at the museum throughout the World Refugee Day events.

From 18-20 June, UNHCR, in partnership with Fête de la Musique, will highlight talented performers representing all regions of the world. Refugee singers, dancers, musicians and comedians will come together to celebrate World Refugee Day in Washington D.C. with three days of free performances for the public at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. A whole day of family-friendly performances will be held at the National Geographic Museum's Explorers Hall on 19 June.

World-renowned photographer Zalmai, a former Afghan refugee, will exhibit his work in Washington D.C. at the National Geographic Museum's Explorers Hall and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The photo exhibition depicts the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the return of refugees and displaced people. His work reveals the continued need for the world to focus on this region and the positive contributions refugees bring to their countries of refuge.

On 16 June, Walden Media and UNHCR will hold an advanced screening of "I am David" at the National Geographic Museum's Explorers Hall. Adapted from Ann Holm's internationally acclaimed novel of the same name, the movie tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who escapes a Communist concentration camp carrying a compass, a pocket knife, a sealed letter, a bar of soap, half a loaf of bread, and travel directions to Copenhagen, Denmark. For the first time in his young life, he is thrust into the free world as he travels across Europe. His is a spiritual journey of discovery during which he loses his mistrust of humanity and finds the ability to smile, share, trust and, ultimately, to love.