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Skriven 2006-12-15 23:31:08 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (061215) for Fri, 2006 Dec 15
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Citations of the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 15, 2006

Citations Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom



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

Ruth Johnson Colvin

Ruth Colvin is a literacy pioneer and one of our Nation's most effective
ambassadors to the world on the importance of education. The founder of
Literacy Volunteers of America, she has dedicated her life to helping the
less fortunate gain the reading and language skills they need to succeed.
Her work has inspired others to lead lives of service and devote their time
and talents to combating illiteracy. The United States honors Ruth Johnson
Colvin for her extraordinary efforts to provide hope and opportunity to
people everywhere.

Norman C. Francis

During his nearly 40 years as President of Xavier University of Louisiana,
Dr. Norman Francis has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to education,
equality, and service to others. Throughout his career, he has led
religious, educational, and civil rights organizations and has made
significant contributions to the important work of Historically Black
Colleges and Universities. 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. The United States honors
Norman C. Francis for his leadership, compassion, and commitment to
education.

Paul Johnson

A brilliant historian and journalist, Paul Johnson's powerful writings have
captivated and educated people around the world. From histories of Judaism
and Christianity, to the defining events, ideas, and personalities of the
20th Century, to the story of the American people, he has eloquently
chronicled the forces that have shaped our 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." The United States honors
Paul Johnson for his landmark contributions to sharing the lessons of the
past so that they may inform the present and shape the future.

Riley "B.B." King

One of the greatest blues singers and guitarists of all time, B.B. King is
an American treasure. 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. Raised in the Mississippi Delta, he began his career
playing on street corners, and today has performed more than 10,000 shows,
won 14 Grammys, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The
United States honors B.B. King for his lifetime of achievement as one of
America's greatest musicians.

Joshua Lederberg

Dr. Joshua Lederberg has devoted his life to the advancement of human
knowledge across a remarkable range of scientific endeavor. His work in
bacterial genetics earned him a Nobel Prize and laid the groundwork for
future progress in the study of genetics. He has 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.
The United States honors Joshua Lederberg for his achievements in
scientific discovery and his commitment to improving the lives of others.

David McCullough

One of our Nation's most distinguished and honored historians, David
McCullough has taken his own place in American history. His books have
earned him the respect of general audiences and scholars alike and have
received numerous awards, including two National Book Awards and two
Pulitzer Prizes. The author of rigorous works on Harry Truman, John Adams,
and the young Theodore Roosevelt, he is one of our foremost authorities on
the American Presidency. The United States honors David McCullough for his
lifelong efforts to document the people, places, and events that have
shaped America.

Norman Y. Mineta

Norman Mineta exemplifies the high ideals of service, integrity, and
courage. Despite the injustice of living in an internment camp when he was
a child, he later served his country in the U.S. Army and went on to become
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. The United States
honors Norman Y. Mineta for a life of selfless and distinguished service to
our Nation.

John "Buck" O'Neil

Buck O'Neil represented excellence and determination both on and off the
baseball field. Rising above the injustice of a segregated country and
sport, he served his Nation in World War II, was a talented player and
manager in the Negro Leagues, and was Major League Baseball's first
African-American coach. As a co-founder of and inspiration for the Negro
Leagues Baseball Museum, he served as the Museum's Chairman of the Board
and worked to ensure that generations of baseball legends would not be
forgotten. The United States honors John "Buck" O'Neil for his generous
spirit, devotion to baseball, and unyielding commitment to equality.

William Safire

As a journalist, speechwriter, columnist, author, and lexicographer,
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 vigorously defended
human freedom. His work has earned him the recognition of his peers,
including the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary, and has elevated
debate on issues of the day. The United States honors William Safire for
his uncompromising commitment to his craft and to strengthening our
democracy.

Natan Sharansky

Natan Sharansky's life is the story of good conquering evil and an
illustration of the strength of the human spirit. Imprisoned by the Soviet
regime for his work to advance religious liberty and human rights, he spent
9 years in the gulag. Following his immigration to Israel, he served with
distinction in that nation's government. He remains a powerful champion of
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. The
United States honors Natan Sharansky for his contributions to and
sacrifices for the cause of democracy and freedom.

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