A specially-commissioned oil painting paying tribute to the close relationship between US and UK troops was unveiled for the first time at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Azalea Charities commissioned the 'Side by Side' painting by Prince William County artist Dean Baer. Funds raised by sale of prints, note cards and other images of the painting are shared between Azalea Charities and the British Army Benevolent Fund America to benefit their wounded men and women and their families.

In his speech, British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald showed his appreciation to the US Army for their co-operation with UK troops. He said:

"I want to thank the US armed forces for the work that they do alongside our armed services, both institutionally in terms of the military links between our two nations, and on a personal level, for the friendship and help that is shown to us all every day by our colleagues and neighbours in the American military."

 

The Ambassador also offered his thanks to the Azalea Charities for the work they are doing:

"I am delighted to welcome the Azalea charity to the Embassy this evening, and to support their efforts to help look after both British and American servicemen and women who have been wounded whilst serving on operations."

Frank Lasch, chairman and founder of Azalea Charities, who performed the unveiling, said:

“I hope everyone – citizens of the United States and the United Kingdom alike – will recognize this painting as a symbol of our appreciation to Great Britain and its troops for standing with us in the fight against terrorism. We also hope that everyone will recognize the urgent need to help the wounded soldiers on both sides.”

In April, Azalea Charities presented a check for $10,000 to the British Army Benevolent Fund America. Prince Leopold d’Arenberg of Europe provided the funding. Prince d’Arenberg’s interest in Aid for Wounded Soldiers stems from the liberation by an American lieutenant of his mother and her sisters from a Nazi death camp in 1945.

To buy prints or note cards printed with the image, contact azaleacharities@aol.com.

Notes for Editors

About Azalea Charities:
Azalea Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Prince William Country, Virginia. The organization is staffed entirely by volunteers who donate their time, talent and money.  Azalea Charities raises funds for Aid to Wounded Soldiers and its community charities through membership fees, private donations and sponsorship of special events such as the Marine Corps Marathon and the Azalea Classic Pro-Am Invitational Golf Classic, the organization's keystone event held each May. Beyond minimal expenses, all the funds they raise go to their charitable core causes.

The largest recipient of funding from Azalea Charities this past year was Aid for Wounded Soldiers, which received $168,000. Azalea Charities awarded $42,000 to community charities and is distributing an additional $50,000 to its core charities this fall.

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