Introducing the “Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy” Initiative:
Recognizing Heroes from Our Past and Present
In September 2019, the U.S. Department of State launched a new initiative called “Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy.” Over the coming year, the Department of State will highlight modern-day “Heroes Among Us,” alongside heroes from our Department’s rich history. These heroes have displayed sound policy judgment, as well as intellectual, moral and even physical courage while advancing U.S. foreign policy goals.
U.S. diplomatic missions overseas and domestic bureaus nominated current or recently retired Department of State employees for modern-day selectees. The Department of State’s Office of the Historian nominated figures for the historical portion of this initiative. Heroes may be current or former Civil Servants, Foreign Service Generalists or Specialists, non-career appointees, or Eligible Family Members and Locally Employed Staff affiliated with the Department of State. The finalists were selected by a Steering Committee comprised of senior Department officials.
The inaugural Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy honoree, Elizabeth Slater, poses with U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and her family members. (Left to Right: Forbes Slater, Ms. Slater, Secretary Pompeo, Charles Slater).U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo introduces the inaugural selectee of the Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy initiative at the launch event at the U.S. Department of State on September 13, 2019. Foreign Service Institute Director Ambassador Daniel B. Smith moderates panel discussion at the Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy event at the U.S. Department of State on October 29, 2019. Panelist Dr. Lindsay Krasnoff discusses the contributions of diplomatic officers and their volunteer spouses, who helped oversee massive relief initiatives to help civilians. Pictured on screen: Mildred Barnes Bliss. Foreign Service Institute Deputy Director Ambassador Julieta Valls Noyes interviews Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy honoree Robert Hopkins at the U.S. Department of State on November 20, 2019. Moderator Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield with panelists Dr. Kal Raustiala, Dr. Ravi Perry, and Mr. Ralph Bunche III at the Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy event at the National Museum of American Diplomacy on February 27, 2020. The Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy event honoring Dr. Ralph J. Bunche at the National Museum of American Diplomacy on February 27, 2020.
