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Skriven 2006-12-07 23:31:12 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0612072) for Thu, 2006 Dec 7
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Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 7, 2006

Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients



President George W. Bush today announced the recipients of the Presidential
Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civil award. Established by
Executive Order 11085 in 1963, the Medal may be awarded by the President
"to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1)
the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world
peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
President Bush will honor these recipients at a White House ceremony on
Friday, December 15, 2006.

Ruth Johnson Colvin has dedicated her life to helping the less fortunate
gain the reading and language skills they need to succeed. She has worked
to bring communities together to tear down the barriers of illiteracy and
traveled the globe to promote the importance of literacy.

Norman C. Francis has served as President of Xavier University of Louisiana
for nearly 40 years, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to education,
equality, and service to others. As Chairman of the Louisiana Recovery
Authority, he has played a vital role in helping the people of the Gulf
Coast rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Paul Johnson is a brilliant historian and journalist whose powerful
writings have captivated and educated people around the world. A citizen of
the United Kingdom, he holds America in special regard, calling the
creation of our Nation "the greatest of all human adventures."

Riley "B.B." King is one of the greatest blues singers and guitarists of
all time. For more than half a century, the "King of the Blues" and his
guitar "Lucille" have thrilled audiences, influenced generations of
guitarists, and helped give the blues its special place in the American
musical tradition.

Joshua Lederberg was awarded a Nobel Prize for his work in bacterial
genetics and has devoted his life to the advancement of human knowledge. He
has also helped develop advanced computer technology, worked with NASA in
the search for life on Mars, and served as a distinguished scientific
advisor to our Nation's policymakers.

David McCullough is one of our Nation's most distinguished and honored
historians. His books have earned him the respect of general audiences and
scholars alike, and he is one of our foremost experts on the American
Presidency.

Norman Y. Mineta has served his fellow Americans as a mayor, congressman,
and Cabinet Secretary under two Presidents. The longest-serving Secretary
of Transportation, he worked to improve the security of our transportation
system and restore our confidence in air travel after the terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001.

John "Buck" O'Neil represented excellence and determination both on and off
the baseball field. He was a talented player and manager in the Negro
Leagues, became Major League Baseball's first African-American coach, and
was a co-founder of and inspiration for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
in Kansas City, Missouri.

William Safire has distinguished himself as one of our country's most
talented writers and commentators. Using the power of prose, he has
educated our citizenry, polished our language, and elevated debate on
issues of the day.

Natan Sharansky was imprisoned in the gulag by the Soviet regime for his
work to advance religious liberty and human rights. He remained steadfast
in his defiance of tyranny and has continued to champion the principles
that all people deserve to live in freedom and that the advance of liberty
is critical to peace and security around the world.

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