For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 18, 2004
Personnel Announcement
President George W. Bush today announced recipients of the Presidential
Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civil award. The award was
established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize civilians for
their service during World War II, and it was reinstated by President
Kennedy in 1963 to honor distinguished service. President Bush will
honor these recipients at a White House ceremony on Wednesday, June 23,
2004.
Robert L. Bartley was one of the most influential journalists in
American history. A champion of free markets, individual liberty, and
the values necessary for a free society, he helped shape the times in
which we live.
Edward W. Brooke has compiled a lengthy and distinguished record of
public service. A decorated combat infantry officer in World War II,
he served in North Africa and Italy. He later was elected attorney
general of Massachusetts, and then served 12 years in the United States
Senate, where he was the first African-American Senator to be elected
by popular vote.
Doris Day became an American icon through her classic performances
as an actress and singer. She has captured the hearts of Americans
while enriching our culture.
Vartan Gregorian, scholar and historian, revitalized the New York
Public Library during the 1980s. He has taught at six universities,
and led Brown University as its president for nine years before moving
to his current post as president of the Carnegie Corporation of New
York.
Gilbert M. Grosvenor is chairman of the Board of the National
Geographic Society, and has devoted 50 years of his life to the
Society. He has tirelessly promoted exploration, research, and
geography education, helping to make the world's cultures and
environment more accessible for all.
Gordon B. Hinckley has been President of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints since 1995, and has served in church leadership
since the 1930s. In those capacities, he has inspired millions and has
led efforts to improve humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and education
funding across the globe.
His Holiness Pope John Paul II, a devoted servant of God, has
championed the cause of the poor, the weak, the hungry, and the
outcast. He has defended the unique dignity of every life, and the
goodness of all life. Through his faith and moral conviction, he has
given courage to others to be not afraid in overcoming injustice and
oppression. His principled stand for peace and freedom has inspired
millions and helped to topple communism and tyranny. The President
awarded the Medal of Freedom to the Holy Father on June 4, 2004, at the
Vatican.
Este Lauder epitomized the entrepreneurial spirit of America,
starting her own company and growing it into an enterprise whose brand
is known around the world. Her many charitable works included
establishing the Este and Joseph Lauder Foundation, which has helped
fund children's parks in New York City. Rita Moreno has inspired many
throughout her celebrated career as an actress on screen and stage.
Her performances have been recognized with Grammy, Tony, and Emmy
Awards, and she received an Oscar in 1961 for her performance as Anita
in West Side Story.
Arnold Palmer has won 92 golf championships -- including four
Masters, two British Opens, and the U.S. Open. As the inspiration
behind "Arnie's Army," he has entertained generations of fans and
helped secure golf's place in the mainstream of American sport.
Arnall Patz is a distinguished American ophthalmologist and
world-renowned researcher on the causes and treatment of eye disease.
His breakthrough work, particularly with children, has saved countless
thousands from blindness.
Norman Podhoretz has been at the forefront of American intellectual
thought for the last half-century, as the longtime editor-in-chief of
Commentary magazine, and as a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.
Walter B. Wriston has been a steadfast advocate of free-market
principles, as former chairman and chief executive officer of Citibank
and chairman of President Reagan's Economic Policy Advisory Board.
During his career in the private sector, he oversaw the introduction of
electronic banking technology that helped pave the way for today's
modern global economy.
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