May 29, 2012 12:19pm <\/p>\n
Image Credits: Jacquelyn Martin\/AP Photo | Chris Pizzello\/AP Photo <\/p>\n
What do music legend Bob Dylan, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and novelist Toni Morrison have in common? Today they will join the small but elite club of political and cultural icons to receive the nations highest civilian honor: the Medal of Freedom. <\/p>\n
This years Medal of Freedom recipients, 13 in all, will come together at the White House this afternoon, where President Obama will honor their accomplishments and present the awards. <\/p>\n
The Medal of Freedom recognizes individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace , or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors, according to the White House. <\/p>\n
Dylans Like a Rolling Stone and Mr. Tambourine Man, Morrisons Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Beloved, and Albrights efforts to champion democracy, human rights and good governance across the globe are allconsidered accomplishments worthy of this honor. <\/p>\n
Previousrecipients include U.S. Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth; retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens; former Israeli President Shimon Peres and Pat Summitt, the winningest NCAA basketball coach who led the University of Tennessees womens basketball team to more Final Four appearances than any other team. <\/p>\n
These extraordinary honorees come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, but each of them has made a lasting contribution to the life of our nation, the president said in a written statement. Theyve challenged us, theyve inspired us, and theyve made the world a better place. I look forward to recognizing them with this award. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Read more from the original source: May 29, 2012 12:19pm Image Credits: Jacquelyn Martin\/AP Photo | Chris Pizzello\/AP Photo What do music legend Bob Dylan, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and novelist Toni Morrison have in common? Continue reading
\nMedals of Freedom for Dylan, Albright<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"