Posted on 10/13/2001 5:04:47 PM PDT by Walkin Man
Giuliani Said to Get British Honor
By Associated Press
LONDON -- New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani will be given an honorary knighthood for his leadership following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, British news reports said Saturday.
The national news agency Press Association, attributing its story to an unidentified source, said Queen Elizabeth II or her representative would bestow the title on Giuliani in recognition of his compassion toward British victims.
Buckingham Palace could not confirm the report because it was a matter for Prime Minister Tony Blair's government, which selects the people to be honored. And Blair's 10 Downing St. office said it was not in a position to confirm the report.
But the Sunday Telegraph, usually well-informed on royal matters, quoted an unidentified Buckingham Palace official as saying, "The queen believes that Rudolph Giuliani was an inspiration to political leaders around the world as well as to his city. She was grateful for his support for Britons bereaved by the tragedy and feels that this will also be a gesture of solidarity between America and Britain.
"Her regard for Mayor Giuliani is reflected in her desire to present the honor in person at Buckingham Palace," the official was quoted as saying.
As an honorary knight and a foreign citizen, the mayor would not use the title 'Sir.'
Knighthoods and similar honors usually are announced twice a year -- at the New Year and in mid-June.
Other Americans who have received honorary knighthoods are former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, British-born actor Bob Hope, Secretary of State Colin Powell, film director Steven Spielberg and conductor Andre Previn.
All the more reason to bestow the honor upon him, because he has risen to the occassion even when it is a task no one would ever want to encounter. He did not run tail or leave the responsibiliity to anyone else. As a New York City resident I salute our mayor, a man of great sacrifice.
Way to go Sir Rudy!
Kewl idea, ah what?
I'll bet this TICKS OLD HILLARY OFF!!
And now for something totally different....
There's precedent: Other Americans so honored include Ronald Reagan and George Bush, British-born Bob Hope, Secretary of State Powell, Steven Spielberg and conductor Andre Previn. Each has received a medal proclaiming him an Honorary Knight of the British Empire.
There's no mention of Clinton. I wonder what chance he has now of knighthood.
In all likliehood, those words are probably true of virtually every Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient as well...I'm still glad they were there to do the things they did, and grateful that recognition was bestowed upon them.
Slim to none I'd say! (c:
Maybe bubba can be elected dog-catcher somewhere back in Arkansas.
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