Medal of Freedom recipients serve the needs of others
By Hillary Rodham Clinton
Every day across our country, thousands of men and women perform deeds that help make our world a more just place. They don't do it for fame or money. They do it because they believe in the individual worth and dignity of every human being. Their selfless acts of courage and service show the rest of us what we can do in our own lives to strengthen America's tradition of freedom.
Earlier this week, the President honored a handful of these citizens with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Only 344 people have received the award since its inception in 1963.
I'd like to share the stories of this year's honorees with you.
* Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. Throughout a distinguished career in the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Bernardin's voice and conscience have set an example for all people. Guided by his faith in God, he has fought tirelessly against some of the greatest enemies of freedom: racial discrimination, poverty and ignorance. As the President said, he is "a remarkable man of God and a remarkable man of the people."
* James Brady. The freedom to walk the streets and neighborhoods of America in safety is what former White House Press Secretary James Brady and his wife, Sarah, have worked for these past 15 years. Paralyzed by a would-be assassin's bullet in 1981, Brady recovered to fight for stronger gun control laws in this country, including passage of the law that carries his name.
* Millard Fuller. The founder and President of Habitat for Humanity, Millard Fuller has spent 20 years improving housing for low-income Americans. His organization has recruited thousands of volunteers (including Bill, Chelsea and me) to help 50,000 low- income families build their own homes.
* David Hamburg. David Hamburg has devoted his life to understanding human behavior, preventing violent conflict and improving the health and well-being of children. As a physician, educator and most recently the President of the Carnegie Corp., he has given voice to the issues that matter most in the lives of children and their families.
* John H. Johnson. Through Johnson Publishing Co., which prints leading African-American magazines like Ebony and Jet, John H. Johnson has raised the profile of African-Americans in our nation's daily life and discouraged negative racial stereotypes. An Arkansas native and self-made man, Johnson continues to inspire young people to believe in themselves and to take advantage of available opportunities.
* Eugene Lang. Fifteen years ago, businessman Eugene Lang promised to pay the college tuition of any member of a sixth- grade class at his East Harlem alma mater who graduated from high school. That promise led to the creation of his "I Have a Dream" foundation, which is helping 15,000 underprivileged students in 59 cities prepare for college with tutoring, mentoring and financial aid.
* Jan Nowak-Jezioranski. Jan Nowak-Jezioranski is revered in both his native Poland and his adopted Unites States for his lifelong dedication to the cause of freedom and democracy. In World War II, Nowak risked his life to carry vital information from Poland to the allies. Later, he directed Radio Free Europe's Polish Service, a voice of freedom and hope for millions of Poles.
* Antonio Pantoja. The driving force behind innumerable efforts to empower and strengthen the Puerto Rican community, Antonio Pantoja founded ASPIRA 35 years ago. This organization promotes education, leadership training and community service for Latino youth.
* Rosa Parks. By refusing to surrender her seat on a bus to a white man one evening 40 years ago in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks symbolized a civil rights revolution that forced our country to honor our ideals of equality and justice. Parks continues to work to extend more opportunities for young people through the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development in Detroit.
* Ginetta Sagan. Imprisoned and tortured during World War II, Ginetta Sagan has devoted her life to saving others from unjust and inhumane imprisonment. Through Amnesty International and her own Aurora Foundation, she has drawn the world's attention to the plight of prisoners of conscience and their families.
* Morris Udall. A 30-year veteran of the House of Representatives, Morris Udall led our nation's efforts to protect America's natural resources, wildlife and environment. In addition to his skills as a lawmaker, Udall was revered in Congress for the sense of humor and civility he brought to his office.
Like so many other Americans whose names we will never know, the winners of the Medal of Freedom look beyond their own needs to serve the needs of others. Their lives and accomplishments reflect the best of the American character and spirit -- and the best that our democracy has to offer.
-- Creators Syndicate