By Benita Dodd

Atlanta – On Wednesday, Sept. 6, Peter Murphy, a survivor of the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon and longtime counsel to the U.S. Marine Corps commandant, keynotes a Georgia Public Policy Foundation noon Policy Briefing Luncheon at the Commerce Club: “September 11: Legacy of a Tragedy,”

Mr. Murphy escaped through smoke and flames on Sept. 11, 2001, just minutes before his Pentagon office collapsed into the abyss. Miraculously, the Marine Corps colors that hung behind his desk also survived the terrorist attack, intact. That rescued flag flew above the Pentagon and traveled to Afghanistan and into space before being awarded to Mr. Murphy on his retirement as counsel in 2004.

“He has not known combat,” notes an article in The Federal Lawyer, “But he has known terror. If Murphy’s service is marked by steadfast commitment and continuity over the years, it was also marked by a single event: September 11.”

“Little did we know how close to this anniversary we would be reminded that the threat to this nation hasn’t diminished,” said Rogers Wade, president of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, referring to terrorist plots thwarted recently in Europe.

“Peter Murphy’s experiences and perspective at this commemoration will prove a forceful reminder of our need to remain vigilant.”

Mr. Murphy, a member of the Defense Department’s senior legal leadership group with the military department general counsels, was the civilian equivalent of a three-star general. During his Marine Corps tenure, he was the Corps’ senior ethics advisor and gained extensive experience in handling complex investigations, sensitive personnel issues and environmental problems associated with worldwide military operations. As a front-line advocate for the Marine Corps with the U.S. Congress, he dealt with Members, drafting and shepherding critical legislation.

Mr. Murphy received his Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude in history from Long Island University in 1972 and earned his J.D. from Saint John’s University School of Law in 1974. He is admitted to practice before the New York and District of Columbia Bars and joined the Washington office of Holland and Knight as a partner when he retired after 20 years as Marine Corps general counsel.

The cost of the luncheon on September 6 is $25 for members and guests, $30 for non-members. To attend, make reservations by mail with your check or MasterCard/Visa, e-mail reservations@gppf.org; call 404-256-4050 or download and complete this linked form – “September 11: Legacy of a Tragedy” – and fax to 404-256-9909.

Media interested in attending this event please contact Benita Dodd at benitadodd@gppf.org or 404-256-4050.