Free Republic

June 21, 2002 12 to Be Awarded Medal of FreedomBy THE NEW YORK TIMES ASHINGTON, June 20 — President Bush announced today that he would award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, to a dozen prominent people, including Nelson R. Mandela and Nancy Reagan. The medal is also going to A. M. Rosenthal, retired executive editor and columnist for The New York Times, who now writes a column for The Daily News in New York. Reached at his home in Manhattan this afternoon, Mr. Rosenthal said: "I've been surprised many times in my life, but never...

President George W. Bush today announced the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation's highest civilian honor. It 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 award the Medals of Freedom to the recipients at a ceremony in July. Hank Aaron is one of the most accomplished players in the history of baseball. Aaron holds the career records for home runs, 755 in his 23-year career, runs-batted-in...