CLINTON AWARDS MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO 15 INDIVIDUALS
USIA
USIS Washington File
15 January 1998
TEXT: CLINTON AWARDS MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO 15 INDIVIDUALS
(Group includes several U.S. civil rights leaders) (1970)
Washington -- President Clinton at a January 15 ceremony in the East
Room of the White House awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom --
the nation's highest civilian honor -- to fifteen distinguished
Americans.
The medal is awarded to those persons the President deems to have made
especially meritorious contributions to the security or national
interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or
other significant public or private endeavors. Recipients receive a
medal and a citation signed by the President.
The group receiving the award January 15 included civil rights
leaders, philanthropists, educators, and former government officials.
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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
January 15, 1998
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
The President today awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 15
individuals.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by President Kennedy
by Executive Order on February 22, 1963. It is the highest civilian
award of our Government. The Medal is awarded only by the President to
those persons whom he deems to have made especially meritorious
contributions to the security or national interests of the United
States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or
private endeavors. The Medal may be awarded to citizens of other
nations and may be awarded posthumously. President Kennedy announced
the first Presidential Medal of Freedom awards in 1963. However,
President Johnson made the first presentations of the Medal in a
ceremony at the White House on December 6, 1963. Recipients receive a
medal and a citation signed by the President.
The text of the citations awarded today read as follows:
ARNOLD ARONSON
Arnold Aronson has labored quietly and selflessly for more than 50
years in the vineyards of our Nation's civil rights movement. As
co-founder of the pioneering Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, a
driving force behind the passage of the landmark civil rights
legislation of the 1950s and 1960s, longtime President of the LCCR
Education Fund, and Program Director for the National Jewish Community
Relations Council, he has shown us how to work toward equality through
cooperation and has helped to unite all Americans across the lines
that have sometimes divided us. We all are better because Arnie
Aronson has lived among us.
BROOKE RUSSELL ASTOR
Legendary in her beloved New York and admired throughout our Nation
for her wide-ranging and hands-on philanthropy, Brooke Astor has given
generously of her wealth, her time, and her compassion for the common
good. She has put into action her simple philosophy that "if you have
enough money for three meals a day and you're not too busy, you ought
to do something for others." From her care for the homeless and
underprivileged, to her devotion to literacy, conservation, and
cultural enrichment, she has indelibly touched the lives of millions.
With enthusiasm and energy, Brooke Astor has shone as a jewel of hope
for us all.
ROBERT COLES
A gifted psychiatrist, teacher, and writer, Robert Coles has spent a
lifetime unlocking the mysteries of childhood experience. With art and
literature as his guide, he has listened to the voices of children
worldwide and revealed for us their unique perceptions of race, class,
history, and spirituality. In the process, he has documented the
perils of poverty and racism and challenged us to live lives of moral
purpose through citizen service. With an open mind and a generous
heart, Robert Coles has broadened our horizons and led us to a new
understanding of our children and ourselves.
JUSTIN DART, JR.
"The purpose of human society," Justin Dart has said, "is to empower
every individual to live life to his or her God-given potential." He
has made that purpose his own. Since contracting polio as a young man,
he has worked for the independence, inclusion, and empowerment of
people with disabilities. A leading architect of the Americans with
Disabilities Act and a driving force behind its passage, he has had a
profound impact on the public policy of this Nation. Justin Dart has
earned our thanks for helping us recognize the possibility within each
individual and for tenaciously advocating equal access to the American
Dream for all our people.
JAMES FARMER
Visionary civil rights hero, James Farmer has inspired millions of
Americans with his passionate convictions, committed activism, and
unwavering dignity. As founder more than 50 years ago of the Congress
of Racial Equality, he embraced the principles of direct action and
nonviolence, leading the first sit-ins to protest racial segregation.
His organization of and participation in the Freedom Rides of the
1960s focused national attention on inequities in public
accommodations and often put his life at risk. The changes he wrought
are with us to this day. Our Nation proudly salutes James Farmer for
his extraordinary work to combat discrimination and bring racial
harmony and healing to our land.
FRANCES HESSELBEIN
Frances Hesselbein has devoted herself to changing lives for the
better. Rising from a volunteer troop leader to chief executive
officer of the Girl Scouts of America, she reinvigorated the
organization with her commitment to inclusiveness and to upholding the
Girl Scout mission of empowering each Scout to reach her highest
potential. Under her guidance, the number of minority Girl Scouts
tripled and overall membership soared. She has worked to imbue other
nonprofit groups with the hallmarks of true leadership: openness to
innovation, willingness to share responsibility, and respect for
diversity. With skill and sensitivity, Frances Hesselbein has shown us
how to summon the best from ourselves and our fellow citizens.
FRED T. KOREMATSU
An American who wanted only to be treated like every other American,
Fred Korematsu challenged our Nation's conscience, reminding us that
we must uphold the rights of our own citizens even as we fight tyranny
in other lands. Defying the 1942 order for the internment of Japanese
Americans, he stood strong against anti-Asian prejudice in the United
States during World War II. Convicted of violating the order, he
waited more than 40 years for justice, when a Federal court overturned
the judgment that the Supreme Court first upheld against him. A man of
quiet bravery, Fred Korematsu deserves our respect and thanks for his
patient pursuit to preserve the civil liberties we hold dear.
SOL M. LINOWITZ
Even as he has succeeded in law and business, Sol Linowitz has never
forgotten the needs of others. Involved early in local community
service, he later broadened his activities to promote the goals of
international understanding and job creation in developing countries.
As co-founder of the International Executive Service Corps, he
inspired retired American executives to share their expertise with
emerging nations to help foster economic growth. In a series of
high-level diplomatic assignments, he made lasting contributions to
the pursuit of world peace. With a keen mind, a warm heart, and a
generous spirit, Sol Linowitz has enriched the lives of millions
around the world.
WILMA P. MANKILLER
Wilma Mankiller prevailed over childhood poverty, relocation, and
other personal adversity to become a strong and creative leader of the
Cherokee Nation. Compelled by the problems endured by her tribe, she
returned home to Oklahoma to devote her skills and energy to make life
better for her people. The success of her innovative community
projects underscored the effectiveness of her message of self-esteem
and self-reliance and ultimately led to her election as the first
female chief of a Native American tribe. Our Nation pays tribute to
Wilma Mankiller, who has made it her mission to bring opportunity, a
higher standard of living, improved health care, and quality education
to Native Americans.
MARGARET E. MURIE
We owe much to the life's work of Mardy Murie, a pioneer of the
environmental movement, who, with her husband, Olaus, helped set the
course of American conservation more than 70 years ago. Her passionate
support for and compelling testimony on behalf of the Alaska Lands Act
helped to ensure the legislation's passage and the protection of some
of our most pristine lands. A member of the governing council of The
Wilderness Society, she also founded the Teton Science School to teach
students of all ages the value of ecology. For her steadfast and
inspiring efforts to safeguard America's wilderness for future
generations, we honor Mardy Murie.
MARIO G. OBLEDO
A veteran of the Korean War, Mario Obledo returned home to face
another kind of struggle: the struggle of Hispanic Americans to
achieve their rightful place as full members of our society. As
national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, a
guiding force in the Southwest Voter Registration and Education
Project, co-founder of the National Hispanic Bar Association, and as
chairman of the Rainbow Coalition, he has worked to benefit those who
historically have been denied access to political, economic, and
educational opportunities. Uniting the voices of diverse ethnic,
racial, and religious groups, Mario Obledo has created a powerful
chorus for justice and equality.
ELLIOT L. RICHARDSON
A man of principle and integrity, Elliot Richardson epitomizes
distinguished public service. In a public career spanning more than
five decades, he has served in more United States cabinet positions --
as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare; Secretary of Defense;
Attorney General; and Secretary of Commerce -- than any other person
in our Nation's history. At HEW, he was a strong advocate for welfare
reform and for racial integration in America's schools. As Attorney
General, at a time of crisis in our national life, he acted with
extraordinary courage and conviction, keeping faith with the American
people. A true patriot, Elliot Richardson has earned our lasting
gratitude for maintaining the highest standards of service to our
Nation.
DAVID ROCKEFELLER
Through his extensive humanitarian efforts to promote world peace,
David Rockefeller has worked to improve lives both at home and abroad.
Building on his family's tradition of charitable giving, he has
generously supported a wide range of educational, cultural, health,
and urban renewal programs. As co-founder of the International
Executive Service Corps, he has recognized the duty and responsibility
of the private sector to a world in need. His creation of and support
for the Trilateral Commission has provided a unique forum for
communication and problem solving by world leaders. Philanthropist,
businessman, community servant, and exemplary global citizen, David
Rockefeller has earned our enduring respect and heartfelt thanks.
ALBERT SHANKER
Albert Shanker was an impassioned and forthright champion of public
education in America. Rising from substitute math teacher to the
presidency of the American Federation of Teachers, he fought and won
important battles for teachers' rights and waged a prolonged crusade
for rigorous educational standards for students and certification for
teachers. The son of Russian immigrants, he realized that democracy
works best when we give all of our children a chance to live up to
their potential, and he devoted a lifetime of service to making our
public education system fulfill its promise. Al Shanker's foresight
and determination provided the foundation upon which we can build
toward a brighter future for our Nation's children.
ADMIRAL ELMO R. ZUMWALT, JR., USN, (RET.)
In both wartime and peacetime, Elmo Zumwalt has exemplified the ideal
of service to our Nation. A distinguished veteran of World War II and
Korea, he served as Commander of U.S. Naval Forces in the Vietnam War
and rose to become the Navy's youngest Chief of Naval Operations in
1970. As CNO, he worked vigorously to improve our sailors' quality of
life and devoted himself to eliminating discrimination in the Navy. In
a life touched by tragedy, he became a great champion of veterans
afflicted by ailments related to service in Vietnam. For his
dedication, valor, and compassion, we salute Bud Zumwalt.
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