Madeleine Korbel Albright Madeleine Korbel Albright
broke barriers and left an indelible mark on the world as the first female
Secretary of State in the United States' history. Through her consummate
diplomacy and steadfast democratic ideals, Secretary Albright advanced peace in
the Middle East, nuclear arms control, justice in the Balkans, and human rights
around the world. With unwavering leadership and continued engagement with the
global community, she continues her noble pursuit of freedom and dignity for all
people.
John Doar As African Americans strove for justice,
John Doar led federal efforts to defend equality and enforce civil rights.
Risking his life to confront the injustices around him, he prevented a violent
riot, obtained convictions for the killings of civil rights activists, and stood
by the first African American student at the University of Mississippi on his
first day of class. During pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement and in
the troubled times of the Watergate scandal, John Doar fought to protect the
core values of liberty, equality and democracy that have made America a leader
among nations.
Bill Foege A distinguished physician and
epidemiologist, Bill Foege helped lead a campaign to eradicate smallpox that
stands among medicine's greatest success stories. At the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, the Carter Center, and the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation, he has taken on humanity's most intractable public health challenges
from infectious diseases to child survival and development. Bill Foege has
driven decades of progress to safeguard the well-being of all, and he has
inspired a generation of leaders in the fight for a healthier world.
John Glenn John Glenn has set a peerless example
through his service to our nation. As a Marine Corps pilot and the first
American to orbit the Earth, he sparked our passions for ingenuity and adventure
and lifted humanity's ambitions into the expanses of space. In the United States
Senate, he worked tirelessly to ensure all Americans had the opportunity to
reach for limitless dreams. Whether by advancing legislation to limit the spread
of nuclear weapons or by becoming the oldest person ever to visit space, John
Glenn's example has moved us all to look to new horizons with drive and
optimism.
Gordon Kiyoshi Hirabayashi Susan Carnahan, accepting
on behalf of her husband Gordon Kiyoshi Hirabayashi. In his open defiance of
discrimination against Japanese Americans during World War II, Gordon Kiyoshi
Hirabayashi demanded our nation live up to its founding principles. Imprisoned
for ignoring curfew and refusing to register for internment camps, he took his
case to the Supreme Court, which ruled against him in 1943. Refusing to abandon
his belief in an America that stands for fundamental human rights, he pursued
justice until his conviction was overturned in 1987. Gordon Hirabayashi's legacy
reminds us that patriotism is rooted not in ethnicity, but in our shared ideals.
And his example will forever call on us to defend the liberty of all our
citizens.
Dolores Clara Fernandez Huerta One of America's great labor
and civil rights icons, Dolores Clara Fernandez Huerta has devoted her life to
advocating for marginalized communities. Alongside Cesar Chavez, she co-founded
the United Farm Workers of America and fought to secure basic rights for migrant
workers and their families, helping save thousands from neglect and abuse.
Dolores Huerta has never lost faith in the power of community organizing, and
through the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continues to train and mentor new
activists to walk the streets into history.
Jan Karski Adam Daniel
Rotfeld, former Polish foreign minister accepting on behalf of Jan Karski. As a
young officer in the Polish Underground, Jan Karski was among the first to relay
accounts of the Holocaust to the world. A witness to atrocity in the Warsaw
Ghetto and the Nazi Izbica transit camp, he repeatedly crossed enemy line to
document the face of genocide, and courageously voiced tragic truths all the way
to President Roosevelt. Jan Karski illuminated one of the darkest chapters of
history, and his heroic intervention on behalf of the innocent will never be
forgotten.
Juliette Gordon Low Richard Platt, accepting on behalf of
his great aunt, Juliette Gordon Low. An artist, athlete and trailblazer for
America's daughters, Juliette Gordon Low founded an organization to teach young
women self-reliance and resourcefulness. A century later, during the "Year of
the Girl," the Girl Scouts' more than 3 million members are leaders in their
communities and are translating new skills into successful careers. Americans of
all backgrounds continue to draw inspiration from Juliette Gordon Low's
remarkable vision, and we celebrate her dedication to empowering girls
everywhere.
Toni Morrison The first African American woman to win a
Nobel Prize, Toni Morrison is one of our nation's most distinguished
storytellers. She has captivated readers through lyrical prose that depicts the
complexities of a people and challenges our concepts of race and gender. Her
works are hallmarks of the American literary tradition, and the United States
proudly honors her for her nursing of souls and strengthening the character of
our union.
John Paul Stevens From the Navy to the bench, John Paul
Stevens has devoted himself to service to our nation. After earning a Bronze
Star in World War II, Stevens returned home to pursue a career in law. As an
attorney, he became a leading practitioner of anti-trust law. And as a Supreme
Court Justice, he dedicated his long and distinguished tenure to applying our
Constitution with fidelity and independence. His integrity, humility, and
steadfast commitment to the rule of law have fortified the noble vision of our
nation's founders.
Pat Summitt Pat Summitt is an unparalleled figure
in collegiate sports. Over 38 seasons, she proudly led the University of
Tennessee Lady Volunteers to 32 SEC tournament and regular season championships
and eight national titles, becoming the all-time winningest coach in NCAA
basketball history. On the court, Coach Summitt inspired young women across our
country to shoot even higher in pursuit of their dreams. Off the court, she has
inspired us all by turning her personal struggle into a public campaign to
combat Alzheimer's disease. Pat Summitt's strength and character exemplify all
that is best about athletics in America.
Bob Dylan A modern-day
troubadour, Bob Dylan established himself as one of the most influential
musicians of the 20th century. The rich poetry of his lyrics opened up new
possibilities for popular song and inspired generations. His melodies have
brought ancient traditions into the modern age. More than 50 years after his
career began, Bob Dylan remains an eminent voice in our national conversation
and around the world.
