Medal of Freedom photos and slideshow part 1

Medal of Freedom recipients photos and slideshow
Chief Joseph Medicine Crow looks at his 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom after President Barack Obama placed it around his neck, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Today, 16 recipients were awarded the highest civilian medal of honor: Presidential Medal of Freedom. The list of recipients reads like a who's-who and the ceremony was filled with excitement and awe as America celebrated the accomplishments of these heroic individuals. The awards were given to recipients selected by President Obama, and several won their medals posthumously.

Standing in for Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Jack French Kemp was his wife, Joanne Kemp. Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk, accepted the medal on his behalf. Senator Ted (Edward) Kennedy’s daughter, Kara Kennedy, accepted on behalf of her father. The other recipients include: Nancy Goodman Brinker, Billie Jean Moffitt King, Reverend Joseph E. Lowery, Joe Medicine Crow, Sandra Day O’Connor, Sidney Poitier, Chita Rivera, Mary Robinson, Janet Davison Rowley, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu, Muhammad Yunus, Stephen Hawking, and Dr. Pedro Jose Greer.

After everyone was seated and the guests of honor were introduced, President Obama presented the Medal of Freedom to each recipient.

To Nancy Goodman Brinker, President Obama said:

Drawing strength from tragedy, Nancy Goodman Brinker has transformed the nation's approach to breast cancer. When her sister was diagnosed in 1977, most breast cancer victims knew relatively little about the disease and suffered from popular stigmas. Nancy G. Brinker promised to challenge these norms.

She founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure, in honor of her sister. And, today, the organization supports research and community awareness programs across the United States and around the world. Nancy G. Brinker's unique passion and determination have been a blessing to all those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

To Pedro Jose Greer Jr, President Obama said:

Dr. Pedro Jose "Joe" Greer Jr. has devoted his career to improving medical services for the uninsured. A native of Miami, he followed his passion for helping others to medical school and founded the Camillus Health Concern, CHC, in 1984 as a medical intern.

Today, CHC treats thousands of homeless patients a year, serving as a model clinic for the poor and inspiring physicians everywhere to work with indigent populations. Dr. Greer's tremendous contributions to the South Florida community and our nation as a whole stand as a shining example of the difference one person can make in the lives of many.

To Stephen Hawking, President Obama said:

Stephen Hawking. Persistent in his pursuit of knowledge, Stephen Hawking has unlocked new pathways of discovery and inspired people around the world. He has dedicated his life to exploring the fundamental laws that govern the universe. And he has contributed to some of the greatest scientific discoveries of our time.

His work has stirred the imagination of experts and laypersons alike. Living with a disability and possessing an uncommon ease of spirit, Stephen Hawking's attitude and achievements inspire hope, intellectual curiosity and respect for the tremendous power of science.

To Joanne Kemp, accepting on behalf of her husband, Jack French Kemp, President Obama said:

A statesman and a sports icon, Jack French Kemp advocated for his beliefs with an unwavering integrity and intellectual honesty. On the football field, he earned the respect and admiration of his teammates for his judgment and leadership. As a public servant, he placed country before party, and ideas before ideology. Jack Kemp saw bridges where others saw divisions, and his legacy serves as a shining example for all those who strive to challenge conventional wisdom, stay true to themselves, and better our nation.

To Kara Kennedy, accepting on behalf of her father Edward M. Kennedy, President Obama said:

For more than four decades, Senator Edward M. Kennedy has boldly fought for equal opportunity, fairness and justice for all Americans. In his tireless quest for a better? union, Senator Kennedy has reformed our schools, strengthened our civil rights, helped seniors and working families, about the poor and worked to ensure that every American has access to quality and affordable health care.

With volumes of law bearing his name and countless lives touched by his extraordinary passion, Senator Kennedy has accumulated several lifetime's worth of achievements. The United States proudly recognized this righteous citizen, devout public servant and giant among men.

To Billie Jean Moffitt King, President Obama said:

Through her example and advocacy, Billie Jean Moffitt King has advanced the struggle for greater gender equality around the world. In an age of male-dominated sports, her pioneering journey took her from Long Beach, California, to the lawns of all angling clubs and the international tennis hall of fame. Her athletic acumen is matched only by her unwavering defense of equal rights. With Billie Jean King pushing us, the road ahead will be smoother for women, the future will be brighter for LGBT Americans and our nation's commitment to equality will be stronger for all.

To Reverend Joseph E. Lowery, President Obama said:

Reverend Joseph E. Lowry has marched through life with faith and purpose, carrying with him the legacy of a movement that touched America's conscious and changed its history. At the forefront of the major civil rights events of our time, from the Montgomery bus boycott to protests against apartheid, he has served as a tireless beacon for nonviolence and social justice. As a pastor and civil rights advocate, he co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and championed the cause of peace and freedom around the world.

To Stuart Milk, accepting on behalf of his uncle, Harvey Bernard Milk, President Obama said:

Harvey Bernard Milk dedicated his life to shattering boundaries and challenging assumptions. As one of the first openly gay elected officials in this country, he changed the landscape of opportunity for the nation's gay community. Throughout his life, he fought discrimination with visionary courage and conviction.

Before his tragic death in 1978, he wisely noted, "Hope will never be silent," and called upon Americans to stay true to the guiding principles of equality and justice for all. Harvey Milk's voice will forever echo in the heart of all these who carry forward his timeless message.

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