DC Mayor and City Council Honor Peter D. Rosenstein
January 31st is now officially Peter D. Rosenstein Day in Washington, DC.
Tuesday evening, Dr. James D'Orta, Jed Ross and their children (triplets Mary Rose, AJ and Cubby) welcomed neighbors and longtime friends into their elegant Georgetown home, a mansion once owned by Averell Harriman.
Several hundred revelers enjoyed a piano concert, cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres as Councilmember Jack Evans congratulated Peter on his birthday.
Approved unanimously by the city council, Evans proudly read the "Peter D. Rosenstein Recognition Resolution of 2017."
Citing his early years as a teacher in New York City before working for Congresswoman Bella Abzug and coming to Washington, DC, Evans spoke about Peter's distinguished service in governement, education, healthcare and as an advocate for LGBT rights.
Rosenstein has been CEO of national associations including the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Accounts for the Public Interests, National Association for Gifted Children and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.
"It's 1965 all over again," added Evans, explaining that they still had work to do together.
"Happy to celebrate your 25th birthday," Mayor Muriel Bowser praised Peter, "Through your longtime work in support of your adopted city, you have counseled leaders and advocates--myself included--on matters concerning LGBTQ affairs, healthcare, and education, among many others, thereby becoming a role model and setting a wonderful example for the residents of Washington, DC."
After thanking his hosts and friends, Peter said "I met Dr. Martin Luther King ... and I can't believe we have to march again."
After expressing appreciation for his family and long friendship with Peter, Dr. D'Orta echoed Bowser and Evans about the need to remain vigilant in protecting civil liberties. Sharing with celebrants about his home's original owners, "They were two Jewish brothers from France who were forced out of Paris ... With a dream to come to DC, they started a dry goods store on M Street and built this house."
When the lavish cake was brought out, guests sang "Happy Birthday" as Peter quipped, "At a certain age, the candles just extinguish on their own."