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Skriven 2005-11-09 23:33:04 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (051109a) for Wed, 2005 Nov 9
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Citations for Recipients of the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 9, 2005

Citations for Recipients of the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom


˙˙˙˙˙President Honors Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

The President today awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The text of
each citation reads as follows:

Muhammad Ali
One of the greatest athletes of all time, Muhammad Ali produced some of
America's most lasting sports memories, from winning the Gold Medal at the
1960 Summer Olympics to carrying the Olympic torch at the 1996 Summer
Olympics. As the first three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world,
he thrilled, entertained, and inspired us. His deep commitment to equal
justice and peace has touched people around the world. The United States
honors Muhammad Ali for his lifetime of achievement and for his principled
service to mankind.

Carol Burnett
Carol Burnett's legendary performances have delighted audiences since her
Broadway debut in 1959. As a singer, dancer, comedienne, and actress, she
has been one of America's most cherished entertainers. The Carol Burnett
Show, in which she created so many memorable and humorous characters, was
an innovative and immensely popular television show in its time and
continues to influence television to this day. The United States honors
Carol Burnett for enhancing the lives of millions of Americans and for her
extraordinary contributions to American entertainment.

Vinton G. Cerf and Robert E. Kahn
More than 30 years ago, Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn designed the
architecture and communication protocol that gave rise to the modern
Internet. The innovative work of these two pioneers laid the foundation for
a global transformation of communication, commerce, and entertainment. The
United States honors Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn for their outstanding
contributions to science and for improving the lives of all Americans.

Robert Conquest
Robert Conquest has written numerous influential books on history,
politics, and international affairs, as well as volumes of poetry, fiction,
and criticism. The quality and breadth of his work, including his landmark
books, The Great Terror and The Harvest of Sorrow, have earned him a wide
audience and the respect of scholars and policymakers around the world. His
powerful work on the Soviet Union helped reveal the human tragedy of
Communism. The United States honors Robert Conquest for his distinguished
and profound contributions to the intellectual life of our Nation and the
world.

Aretha L. Franklin
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin has recorded more than 20 number-one
singles and revolutionized American music. Her instantly recognizable voice
has captivated listeners ever since she toured with her father's gospel
revue in the 1950s. She is among our Nation's greatest musical artists and
has captured the hearts of millions of Americans. The United States honors
Aretha Franklin for her lifetime of achievement and for helping to shape
our Nation's artistic and cultural heritage.

Alan Greenspan
As Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for 18
years, Alan Greenspan has been a steadfast and effective manager of United
States monetary policy. With prudence and wisdom, he has helped shepherd
our economy through stock market crashes, global fiscal crises, recessions,
and national disasters. During his nearly two decades of principled work at
the Federal Reserve, he has become the standard by which central bankers
are measured. The United States honors Alan Greenspan for his outstanding
career of public service and for enhancing the character and prosperity of
our Nation.

Andy Samuel Griffith
Andy Griffith is one of America's best-known and most beloved entertainers.
After his introduction to a national audience as a stand-up comedian on The
Ed Sullivan Show in the 1950s, he went on to star in such celebrated
television shows as The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. As a legend of the
stage, cinema, and television, Andy Griffith has built an enduring career
and set a standard of excellence in entertainment. He is a man of humor,
integrity, and compassion. The United States honors Andy Griffith for
demonstrating the finest qualities of our country and for a lifetime of
memorable performances that have brought joy to millions of Americans of
all ages.

Paul Harvey
For more than half a century, Paul Harvey has earned the trust of millions
of Americans by telling them "the rest of the story." His News and Comment
program first aired in 1951, and today his broadcasts reach some 20 million
people each week. He has built a proud legacy of integrity and excellence.
The United States honors Paul Harvey for his extraordinary career in
broadcasting and for his contributions to the intellectual and political
life of our Nation.

G. V. Sonny Montgomery
During his three decades as a Member of the House of Representatives from
Mississippi, Sonny Montgomery was a tireless champion for America's
veterans. A decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Sonny
Montgomery brought his personal experience and expertise to his service on
the Veterans' Affairs Committee and Armed Services Committee. He sponsored
the landmark Montgomery GI Bill, which has helped make higher education and
professional and vocational training accessible to millions of America's
veterans. The United States honors Sonny Montgomery for his service to our
country and for his dedicated work to honor and improve the lives of the
men and women who sacrifice for our liberty.

General Richard B. Myers, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
For four decades, General Richard Myers has served our Nation with honor
and distinction. He flew some 600 combat hours in the Vietnam War. He later
served as Commander in Chief of North American Aerospace Defense Command
and U.S. Space Command. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General
Myers played a central role in our Nation's defense while devoting himself
to the well-being of the men and women who wear the uniform of the United
States Armed Forces. The United States honors General Richard Myers for his
dedication to duty and country and for his contributions to the freedom and
security of our Nation.

Jack W. Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus set the standard for golf excellence. He won 73 PGA Tour
events, six Masters, five PGA Championships, four U.S. Opens, three British
Opens, and two U.S. Amateurs. From his playoff victory as a 22-year-old at
the U.S. Open in 1962 to his legendary charge down the back nine at Augusta
in 1986, Jack Nicklaus succeeded with dramatic flair and steely
determination. He always conducted himself with class and treated his
fellow golfers and fellow Americans with respect. The United States honors
Jack Nicklaus for his contributions to American sport and for being the
greatest golfer of all time.

Frank Robinson
Frank Robinson played the game of baseball with total integrity and
steadfast determination. He won Most Valuable Player awards in both the
National and American Leagues. He achieved the American League Triple Crown
in 1966. His teams won five League titles and two World Series
championships. In 1975, Frank Robinson broke the color barrier as
baseball's first African-American manager, and he later won Manager of the
Year awards in both the National and American Leagues. The United States
honors Frank Robinson for his extraordinary achievements as a baseball
player and manager and for setting a lasting example of character in
athletics.

Paul Rusesabagina
Paul Rusesabagina demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion in the
face of genocidal terror. During the Rwandan genocide in 1994, he risked
his own life to shelter more than 1,000 fellow Rwandans targeted for
murder. His noble and selfless acts have been honored around the world. His
life reminds us of our moral duty to confront evil in all its forms. The
United States honors Paul Rusesabagina for his spirit and bravery in
defending and caring for his fellow man.

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