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Presidential Medal of Freedom Award Winners 2009: Complete List
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by Amy Judd | July 30, 2009 at 10:15 am
1176 views | 10 Recommendations | 3 comments
The 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded by President Obama to 16 people, including Stephen Hawking, Harvey Milk, and Desmond Tutu.
The Medal of Freedom is awarded every year to individuals that are decided to have made a contribution to the security or national interestes of the United States, whether in peace, cultural or other public or private matters.
These awardees are 'agents of change' said the White House as they achieved accomplishments in sports, science, and medicine, among others
"These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds," President Obama said in a statement, while calling their accomplishments "tremendous." "[Y]et they share one overarching trait: each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way," he added. "Their relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens sets a standard to which we all should strive. It is my great honor to award them the Medal of Freedom."
The awards will be presented on August 12 by President Obama.
A complete list of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom:
Nancy Goodman Brinker
Pedro José Greer, Jr.
Stephen Hawking
Jack Kemp
Sen. Edward Kennedy
Billie Jean King
Rev. Joseph Lowery
Joe Medicine Crow – High Bird
Harvey Milk
Sandra Day O’Connor
Sidney Poitier
Chita Rivera
Mary Robinson
Janet Davison Rowley
Desmond Tutu
Muhammad Yunus
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (3)
at 02:11 on August 11th, 2009
I am especially glad to see Professor Muhammad Yunus' name in the list. He is one of the greatest thinkers and reformers of the world. Unfortunately it takes others even scholars a little too long to grasp what Yunus says!
at 03:30 on August 12th, 2009
I'm sorry I missed this, Amy.
at 12:38 on August 17th, 2009
Mrs. Rowley:
Congratulations from the Sload family, who lived next door to you on Clagett Drive (Rockville, Maryland) back in the early 50's. We are so proud!