Gen. John H. Tilelli (ret.), one of only 216 people in the history of the U.S. Army to be promoted to the rank of four star general, will be the keynote speaker at the Feb. 20 Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association annual breakfast.

The breakfast, which serves as the traditional kick-off to the city’s slate of George Washington Birthday celebration events, will be held at The Alexandrian (formerly the Hotel Monaco), and will feature the presentation of the Ben Lynt Distinguished Service Award and an update on the Friendship Conservation Project.

“A brief report will be given on the status of the Conservation Fund for restoring the two hand-drawn vehicles in the Firehouse Museum,” said Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association board member Bill Kehoe. “The Fund is now entering its second year and donations are gratefully accepted.”