Yakov Smirnoff receives Americanism Award
National Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution Present Award
Branson, Missouri (Saturday, May 26, 2007) - Yakov Smirnoff was presented the prestigious Americanism Award from the National Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on Saturday, May 26, 2007. The Sacramento, California Chapter of DAR sponsored Yakov’s nomination. Helen Borgens, the Sacramento Chapter Regent, presented the award at Yakov’s Theatre in Branson, Missouri during his 9:30 am show.
LeAnn F. Turbyfill, National Chair of The Daughters of the American Revolution, commented, "Comedy is drawn from tragedy. This was known by the great writers including Shakespeare, Dickens and Twain. Yakov Smirnoff is living proof that adversity gives way to great joy - that laughter can provide a means of coping with life’s ups and downs."
Arriving in the United States in 1977 with his parents and less than $100 in his pocket, Yakov has risen to national prominence as a respected comedic voice, cultural observer, family man, Branson theatre owner, and command performer at the White House for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, and George W. Bush. Yakov says, "You can go to Italy but you cannot become Italian. You can go to France but you cannot become French. But you can come to America and become an American."
On July 4, 2006, Yakov celebrated his 20th year as a citizen of the United States. "When I became a citizen in 1986, I took my voting very seriously. My anticipation had built up over the nine years it took me to become a citizen. I studied all the issues and really learned about these people asking for my vote. I felt responsible," says Yakov, "What if I made the wrong decision and everything in America went haywire?"
The Americanism Award from DAR is infrequently presented to naturalized citizens of the United States who have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, trustworthiness, service and patriotism, and to those who have also displayed outstanding involvement in community affairs.
Yakov, in addition to being an entertainer and an artist, received his Masters Degree in Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2006. While performing more than 200 shows per year at his Branson theatre, he also speaks to business groups, presents seminars, is a guest columnist for national magazines, and has recently taught classes about the relationship of Love and Laughter at Missouri State University and Drury University.
For information about Yakov’s show schedule, seminars, art, books, and touring schedule call 1-800-WHAT A COUNTRY (1-800-942-8226)
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