Celia Cruz Honored In Washington D.C.

Washington DC (Reuters) - On October 16th, Celia Cruz was honored at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, in Washington D.C. where she received the prestigious James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, for contributions to the world of music and American culture. Celia Cruz is the second Hispanic celebrity to receive the award, the first being Tito Puente.

The Smithson Medal Award was created in 1965, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of James Smithson, whom the Smithsonian Institute is named after. The medal is awarded to individuals who've made distinguished contributions to "The spreading of culture and knowledge". Other celebrities who have received the award include Jacques Coustaeu, James Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie, Billie Joel, Steven Spielberg, and Tito Puente, among others.

Robert Men�ndez, who spoke on behalf of the House of Representatives, honored Celia Cruz for receiving the Smithson Medal. "No one deserves this award more than Celia, she is truly a living legend that continues to inspire the world," he declared.

Exhibitions at the National Museum of American History retell the country's social, cultural, scientific, and technological history and developments. As part of Hispanic Heritage month, the museum is presenting "Moda and M�sica: Stage, Fashion, and Style", which includes a dress donated by "The Queen of Salsa" in 1997 when the Smithsonian awarded her the Lifetime Achievement Award. The traditional "Bata Cubana" dress is the very one she wore in the 1970's during one of her performances at the world famous Carnegie Hall.

Celia Cruz has always been and will continue to be Latin music and culture's chief representative. Through her exceptional talent, charisma, and showmanship she will continue to inspire and entertain audiences all over the world.