|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
1977 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
| |
1977 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients
Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom
January 10, 1977
Distinguished honorees, ladies and gentlemen:
Betty and myself are delighted to welcome all of you to the East Room of the White House today. And it is a great privilege and pleasure for us to participate in this auspicious occasion where we have the opportunity of honoring such an outstanding group of men and women on this occasion. Some of you we know personally, others we are meeting for the first time, but you are all here because of your great contributions to American life.
It is a particular privilege for me because honoring extraordinary Americans on behalf of their fellow citizens is one of a President's most enjoyable duties.
The Medals of Freedom you are about to receive are the highest civilian honor that our country can bestow. Of course, excellence has its own reward, not only to those who strive for it but also to the free society which encourages it. You are men and women who have used that freedom to achieve extraordinary excellence. Your outstanding accomplishments have made our lives better and set stirring example: for others to follow.
As we move from the Bicentennial Year into our third century, America must remain a place where men and women are encouraged to create, to innovate, to explore, and to set the very highest standards, whatever their vocation.
Our country and all mankind will always need people like you whose energy, whose imagination reveal our country's greatest potential.
With those remarks let us proceed with the presentations.
[At this point, Terrence O'Donnell, Aide to the President, read the citations for the award winners. Following the reading of each citation, the President personally presented the medal to each recipient or his representative.]
I. W. ABEL
"Steelworker, social reformer, union organizer, and labor statesman, I. W. Abel has forged a distinguished record of wise and firm leadership that exemplifies the very best traditions of the American labor movement. His many achievements and his unfailing concern for people have earned him not only the gratitude, but the esteem and respect of fellow citizens."
JOHN BARDEEN
John Bardeen, represented by his son, William Bardeen. "A physicist of genius, John Bardeen has combined formidable and unique scientific insights with the mathematical ability to carry them through. His discoveries have revolutionized electronics and communications changing each of our lives for the better. We are proud to honor him as a creative master in the finest traditions of science and technology."
NORMAN BORLAUG
"Revolutionary scientist and eloquent prophet, he performed miracles with grain and saved untold millions from starvation. His work has pushed back the shadow of hunger on this planet and given us precious time to force its final retreat."
GENERAL OMAR N. BRADLEY
"Military hero, courageous in battle, and gentle in spirit, friend of the common soldier, General of the Army, first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he embodies the best of the American military tradition with dignity, humanity, and honor."
ADMIRAL ARLEIGH BURKE
"Combat commander, innovative naval strategist and tactician, inspiring leader, first three term Chief of Naval Operations, he made the sea a place of victory in war, a mighty fortress in peace."
BRUCE CATTON
"Man of letters, preeminent historian of the War Between the States, he made us hear the sounds of battle and cherish peace. He made us see the bleeding wound of slavery and hold man's freedom dear."
JOE DIMAGGIO
Joe DiMaggio, represented by his brother, Dominick DiMaggio. "Superb athlete, coach, author and businessman, Joe DiMaggio stands tall among the ranks of genuine American heroes. Known and revered around the world as the 'Yankee Clipper,' he contributed many years of style and splendid ability to the sport which has come to be known as our national pastime. His character and grace both on and off the playing field have been a continuing source of inspiration to Americans of all ages."
ARIEL DURANT
"Writer, historian and philosopher, Ariel Durant has combined a sensitive and sweeping vision with unique literary talents. Her lifelong collaboration with her husband, Will, has helped make history accessible, popularizing but never cheapening its lessons. The style and substance of her writing have made the past more vivid and enriched our lives in the present."
WILL DURANT
"Writer, historian and philosopher, Will Durant has provided an open window into the lives and thoughts of past ages. With the collaboration of his wife, Ariel, he has helped lead us through the past to the meaning of the present. An eloquent apostle of social order and individual freedom, he is an enemy of chaos, a friend and an invaluable guide to the millions of grateful readers."
JUDGE HENRY J. FRIENDLY
"Honored student and servant of the law, man of intellect and wisdom, he brought a brilliance and a sense of precision to American jurisprudence, sharpening its focus and strengthening its commitment to the high goal of equal and exact justice for every American citizen."
LADY BIRD JOHNSON
"One of America's great First Ladies, she claimed her own place in the hearts and history of the American people. In councils of power or in homes of the poor, she made government human with her unique compassion and her grace, warmth and wisdom. Her leadership transformed the American landscape and preserved its natural beauty as a national treasure."
ARCHIBALD MACLEISH
Archibald MacLeish, represented by his nephew, Roderick MacLeish. "Poet and playwright, teacher and statesman, Archibald MacLeish has combined the vocation of man of letters with that of public spokesman. A poet of realities as well as dreams, his eloquent words are matched by his sensitive social conscience. He seeks truth inspired by love of his fellow men and of his country. We are proud to recognize his stature as a humanist, an artist, and an American."
JAMES ALBERT MICHENER
"Author, teacher and popular historian, James Michener has entranced a generation with his compelling essays and novels. From 'Tales of the South Pacific,' to 'Centennial,' the prolific writings of this master storyteller have expanded the knowledge and enriched the lives of million."
VICE PRESIDENT NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER
"Patriot, philanthropist, patron of the arts, diplomat, Governor of New York, Vice President of the United States, his long years of service to his country have yielded governmental, economic, social and cultural contributions beyond measures."
NORMAN ROCKWELL
Normal Rockwell, represented by his son, Jarvis Rockwell. "Artist, illustrator and author, Norman Rockwell has portrayed the American scene with unrivaled freshness and clarity. Insight, optimism and good humor are the hallmarks of his artistic style. His vivid and affectionate portraits of our country and ourselves have become a beloved part of the American tradition."
CATHERINE FILENE SHOUSE
"Catherine Filene Shouse has given her country half a century of invaluable voluntary service. A pioneer in job training for women, she herself is an outstanding example of what good taste and intelligence, pragmatism and persistence can accomplish. A working patron of the arts as well as a giving one, her keen interest and involvement have enriched immeasurably our Nation's cultural life."
JAMES D. WATSON
"Scholar, teacher, author and scientific pioneer, James D. Watson has challenged the mysteries of life itself and charted a new path in mankind's endless search for truth. His intellectual courage and relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge have earned him the respect and admiration of his country and a permanent place as one of the great explorers of the 20th century."
ARTHUR FIEDLER
"Violinist, conductor and musical innovator, Maestro Fiedler has bridged the gap between popular and classical music and given millions around the world a greater appreciation of America's rich cultural heritage. His spirit and zest for living have made an immeasurable contribution to the quality of American life."
Mr. President, that concludes the presentations. Lowell Thomas, who is on his way, has been delayed because of inclement weather.
THE PRESIDENT. We all regret that Lowell Thomas, because of inclement weather, couldn't make it. He is on his way and, hopefully, he will arrive before the luncheon is over.
But let me again congratulate each and every one of you. I regret that Irving Berlin, Alexander Calder, the late Alexander Calder, and Georgia O'Keeffe were unable to be represented here today. We will of course present their medals to them or to their families at a later date.
In closing, let me voice our country's deep gratitude and great appreciation, not only to you but to all those who helped you achieve what you accomplished. Each of you has friends, coworkers, teammates, families who share in your achievements and in our pride today.
Again, congratulations and very best wishes.
Now, Betty and I will join the honorees in the Grand Hall so that the other guests may meet them and after which, we want you all to join us in the State Dining Room.
Thank you very much.
NOTE: The President spoke at 12:20 p.m. at a ceremony in the East Room at the White House.
Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Henry A. Kissinger
January 13, 1977
Mr. Ambassador, Mr. Vice President, Secretary Kissinger, Mr. Secretary-General, ladies and gentlemen:
Both Mrs. Ford and myself are deeply grateful for the invitation to participate in this farewell reception in honor of my very close and personal friend, the Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger.
During the tenure of the Secretary of State, we have had many tasks, many challenges, many problems involving the building of a better world. While I will not suggest what might have been, it is my judgment that Henry's legacy provides rich testimony to his wisdom, to his brilliance in working toward solutions to some of the most difficult problems in our postwar history.
The United States, the world is greatly indebted to this superior person. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that Secretary Kissinger, whom we are honoring tonight, we have been impressed by our association with him on a personal basis, impressed by his intellect and his insight, and thankful for his mighty efforts for the cause of peace for mankind on a worldwide basis. He is, so far as this American is concerned, the greatest Secretary of State in the history of our Republic. His superb record of achievement is unsurpassed in the annals of American history.
But let me mention just a few examples: the agreement that brought our men home from Vietnam; the historic beginning of our relationship with the People's Republic of China; the foundation and the first building blocks of the strategic arms limitation talks; the turning point in the modern history of the Middle East, and the first steps toward peace; the breakthrough toward peaceful settlement in southern Africa; the closest friendship among the North Atlantic allies in a generation; the linking of Japan, our permanent friend, into the community of the industrial democracies; the new dialog with Latin America; the Seventh Special Session of the U.N. General Assembly, a milestone in world economic history.
In every case Secretary Kissinger has worked mightily for peace, and in every case the cause of peace has been advanced by his efforts. He led the way in awakening the industrialized nations, the industrialized world, to the changes that must be made if the poor of the world are to know hope and prosperity. He has been the architect of a new and productive relationship with our adversaries.
His is a record of unprecedented scope and enormous accomplishment. It is a record in which all Americans take pride and it is a record worthy of special recognition.
It is my particular pleasure to be able to give special recognition to this great American this evening before this distinguished and most appropriate audience.
Mr. Secretary, it is my honor and tremendous privilege to award you on behalf of this grateful Nation the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award it is within the power of a President to grant.
Mr. Secretary, I make this award not only in recognition of the monumental contributions that you have made to the security, peace, and freedom of the United States, but in recognition as well of the fact that during the dark days in our Nation's recent past you showed the world what we were capable of accomplishing and gave your countrymen a reason to be very proud of our Nation.
I make this award, Mr. Secretary, in the presence of the diplomatic corps because in the broadest sense what you did for America you did for all mankind.
Now I would like Mr. O'Donnell to read the citation, please.
[At this point, Terrence O'Donnell, Aide to the President, read the citation as follows:]
"Henry A. Kissinger, scholar, statesman and public servant. By his extraordinary achievements he has earned a place in the first rank of American patriots. A principal architect of America's diplomacy under two Presidents, he guided the Nation in meeting the responsibilities of world leadership. A brilliant negotiator, he wielded America's great power with wisdom and compassion in the service of peace. He is honored by a grateful President and Nation in the expectation that the past is but prologue."
"Signed, Gerald R. Ford, The White House, Washington, D.C."
NOTE: The President spoke at 7:25 p.m. at the Pan American Union, where the diplomatic corps was holding a reception in Secretary Kissinger's honor.
In his opening remarks, the President referred to Ambassador Guillermo Sevilla-Sacasa, dean of the diplomatic corps, Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller, and Alejandro Orfila, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States.
Secretary Kissinger's response to the President's remarks is printed in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 13, p. 41).
Presidential Medal of Freedom Announcement of Award to the Rev. Martin Luther King, It., and Dr. Jonas E. Salk.
July 4th, 1977
The President today announced that he is awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Dr Jonas E. Salk.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Governments highest civil award. It may be awarded only by the President to persons who 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 citations accompanying the medals follow:
"Martin Luther King, Jr. was the conscience of his generation. He gazed upon the great wall of segregation and saw that the power of love could bring it down. From the pain and exhaustion of his fight to fulfill the promises of our founding fathers for our humblest citizens, he wrung his eloquent statement of his dream for America. He made our nation stronger because he made it better. His dream sustains its yet."
"Because of Doctor Jonas E. Salk, our country is free from the cruel epidemics of poliomyelitis that once struck almost yearly. Because of his tireless work, untold hundreds of thousands who might have been crippled are sound in body today. These are Doctor Salk's true honors, and there is no way to add to them. This Medal of Freedom can only express our gratitude, and our deepest thanks."
Presidential Medal of Freedom Remarks on Presenting the Medal to Dr. Jonas E. Salk and to Martin Luther King, Jr.
July 11th, 1977
THE PRESIDENT. As you may know, the Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award that's given in our country. It was begun when President Truman was in the White House, and the number of people who receive it is very small.
There are many Americans who do great things, who make us proud of them and their achievements, and who inspire us to do better ourselves. But there are some among those noble achievers who are exemplary in every way, who reach a higher plateau of achievement, and whose recognition almost demands being consummated by someone in my own position.
Today I have chosen to honor two great men, one who has alleviated suffering and despair in the field of health and one who has chosen to alleviate suffering and despair in the field of human freedom.
I'm very grateful today to have this opportunity on behalf of more than 200 million Americans to recognize these noble recipients of the award, one in life, one in death, but we know that they both live now and a thousand years from now, perhaps, will still live in the minds and hearts of Americans.
I'd like to first call Dr. Jonas Salk forward to present an award to him and to read a citation.
[At this point, the President read the citation, the text of which follows:]
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AWARDS THIS PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO DR. JONAS E. SALK
Because of Dr. Jonas E. Salk, our country is free from the cruel epidemics of poliomyelitis that once struck almost yearly. Because of his tireless work, untold hundreds of thousands who might have been crippled are sound in body today. These are Doctor Salk's true honors, and there is no way to add to them. This Medal of Freedom can only express our gratitude, and our deepest thanks.
I'd like to give this to Mrs. Salk to deliver to her husband later. Thank you.
DR. SALK. Mr. President, you have drawn special attention to me for the successful control of poliomyelitis. Our freedom from fear of this disease is the result of years of work by a great many who preceded me and who followed. This freedom was achieved to the mutual participation of the public as well as the scientific and medical communities.
I am deeply moved to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom along with Martin Luther King, Jr., whose life and work contributed so richly to the ultimate freedoms we seek freedom from human exploitation and oppression. Our Founding Fathers spoke about the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but without freedom from oppression and from disease, the pursuit of happiness has little meaning.
I hope that all the world will see your own aspirations and commitments to life and to liberty, the world over, in the meaningful recognition that you have given to the importance of human rights and human health.
The achievements to which you have drawn attention serve as examples of more that might be accomplished through national and international commitments to improve the health and well-being of people everywhere.
Laurels are not to be rested upon. They crown what is valued and desired by society. They impose responsibility as well as offer encouragement.
In this spirit, I am pleased to accept the honor you bestow upon me and, in so doing, upon all those who work in the same vineyard toward improving the health and well-being of humankind. And I thank you, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT. When I was a child in Georgia. I, along with all other people, perhaps, in the world my age, were constantly fearful of the blight of a polio epidemic. In our own country alone in the years shortly before the Salk vaccine was developed, there were 52,000 people who were stricken with polio. And miraculously, because of the intelligence and commitment of Dr. Salk, this scourge was removed. And as he very generously described to us, many people before this achievement and since then have contributed as well to this alleviation of a constant threat.
When I was a child in Georgia, there was another threat as well which was even more all-encompassing and which afflicted us as did a physical disease, and that was racial discrimination, a deprivation of human freedom and a prohibition against the realization of the American dream for black people.
With unswerving dedication, superb courage, sensitivity, and humility and a dedication to peace, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., helped to remove this threat and this affliction. Although I never knew him personally, I've come to know the members of his family, and many thousands of people around the world now carry on his own deep commitments to which he gave his very life.
I'd like to ask Coretta King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr., to come and stand beside me as I read this citation.
[At this point, the President read the citation, the text of which follows:]
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AWARDS THIS PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
Martin Luther King, Jr., was the conscience of his generation. He gazed upon the great wall of segregation and saw that the power of love could bring it down. From the pain and exhaustion of his fight to fulfill the promises of our founding fathers for our humblest citizens, he wrung his eloquent statement of his dream for America. He made our nation stronger because he made it better. His dream sustains us yet.
Signed, Jimmy Carter.
MRS. King. Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, to our many friends who have gathered here today:
This is indeed a very moving moment for me and, needless to say, a very fulfilling one for me and my family and our friends who have come here today to share this occasion with us.
It is highly significant that you, Mr. President, a white Southerner, would become the first American President to recognize the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s contributions to the human rights movement in this country and bestow upon him the highest civilian award--the Presidential Medal of Freedom. For us as a family and the millions in our Nation who believed in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s teaching, we are greatly encouraged and feel this action is indicative of the new spirit of reconciliation which you and your administration are causing in this Nation.
Thank you, Mr. President, for renewing our hopes that our Nation can rise to true greatness and give due honor to one of its greatest national heroes.
This medal will be displayed with Martin's Nobel Peace Prize in the completed Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Social Change, his official memorial in Atlanta, Georgia. It will serve as a continuous reminder and inspiration to young people and unborn generations that his dream of freedom, justice, and equality must be nurtured, protected, and fully realized, that they must be the keepers of the dream.
Let us all once again rededicate our lives to the fulfillment of Martin Luther King's dream, which was truly the American dream.
Thank you, Mr. President.
NOTE: The President spoke at 1:37 p.m. at the ceremony in Room 450 at the Old Executive Office Building.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medal History
