===========================================================================
President Bush Honors Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients
===========================================================================

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary June 19, 2008

President Bush Honors Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients East Room

˙ /news/releases/2008/06/20080619-9.wm.v.html ˙˙Presidential Remarks
˙˙Audio ˙˙Photos

˙˙˙˙˙ In Focus: Freedom Agenda ˙˙˙˙˙ 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom
Citations

9:45 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White House, for what is going to be a joyous
occasion. Mr. Vice President, Justice Scalia, members of my Cabinet and
administration, members of Congress, Medal of Freedom recipients and their
families and friends: Thanks for coming. Laura and I are honored to welcome
you here.

The Medal of Freedom is the highest civil honor a President can bestow. The
award recognizes outstanding individuals who have been leaders in their
chosen fields, have led lives of vision and character, and have made
especially meritorious contributions to our nation and the world. Today we
add the names of six remarkable Americans to that select list.

The story of our first recipient begins in a poor neighborhood in the heart
of Detroit. This was an environment where many young people lost themselves
to poverty and crime and violence. For a time, young Ben Carson was headed
down that same path. Yet through his reliance on faith and family, he
turned his life into a sharply different direction. Today Dr. Carson is one
of the world's leading neurosurgeons. He is renowned for his successful
efforts to separate conjoined twins and his expertise in controlling brain
seizures. He has worked to be a motivating influence on young people. He
and his wife Candy have started an organization that offers college
scholarships to students across America. The child of Detroit who once saw
a grim future became a scholar, a healer, and a leader.

Ben would be the first to tell you that his remarkable story would not be
possible without the support of a woman who raised him and is at his side
today. Some moms are simply forces of nature who never take no for an
answer. (Laughter.) I understand. (Laughter.) Ben Carson's mom had a life
filled with challenges. She was married at the age of 13, and ultimately
was left to raise her two sons alone. She made their education a high
priority. Every week the boys would have to check out library books and
write reports on them. She would hand them back with check marks, as though
she had reviewed them -- never letting on that she couldn't read them. Even
in the toughest times, she always encouraged her children's dreams. She
never allowed them to see themselves as victims. She never, ever gave up.
We're so thrilled you're here. Sonya Carson, welcome to the White House.
(Applause.)

Ben has said that one of his role models is Booker T. Washington, who
inspired millions and who was one of the first African American leaders
ever to visit this house as a guest of a President. He walked on this very
floor a little more than a century ago. Today, Ben Carson follows in his
footsteps in more ways than one. He's lived true to the words that was once
uttered by this great man: "Character, not circumstances, makes the man."
Ben, you demonstrate that character every day -- through the life you lead,
the care you provide, and the family that you put at the center of your
life. Murray, B.J., and Rhoeyce, I know how proud your dad is of each of
you. I'm delighted that you have a chance to see how proud our nation is of
him. For his skills as a surgeon, high moral standards, and dedication to
helping others, I am proud to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom on
Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr. (Applause.) The bestowing part will take place
a little later, Ben. (Applause.)

Three decades ago, a mysterious and terrifying plague began to take the
lives of people across the world. Before this malady even had a name, it
had a fierce opponent in Dr. Anthony Fauci. As the Director of the National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for more than 23 years, Tony
Fauci has led the fight against HIV and AIDS. He was also a leading
architect and champion of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which over
the past five years has reached millions of people -- preventing HIV
infections in infants and easing suffering and bringing dying communities
back to life.

The man who would lead the fight against this dreaded disease came from an
Italian American family in Brooklyn. Even as a boy, Tony was distinguished
by his courage. In a neighborhood full of Brooklyn Dodgers fans --
(laughter) -- he rooted for the Yankees. (Laughter.) Tony earned a full
scholarship to Regis High School, a Jesuit school in Manhattan. And he
still quotes what he learned from Jesuit teaching: "Precision of thought,
economy of expression." And now you know why he never ran for public
office. (Laughter.)

Those who know Tony do admit one flaw: sometimes he forgets to stop
working. He regularly puts in 80-hour weeks. And from time to time, he's
even found notes on his windshield left by coworkers that say things like,
"Go home. You're making me feel guilty." (Laughter.) A friend once
commented that Tony was so obsessed with work that his wife must be a
pretty patient woman. The truth of the matter is, she's very busy herself.
Christine Grady is a renowned bioethicist. And together they raised three
talented daughters: Jennifer, Meghan, and Allison. And I hope each of you
know that for all Tony has accomplished, he considers you to be one of his
-- not one of his -- his most important achievement. Your love and support
have strengthened him as he works to save lives across the world.

For his determined and aggressive efforts to help others live longer and
healthier lives, I'm proud to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci. (Applause.)

When Tom Lantos was 16 years old, Nazi troops occupied his hometown of
Budapest. During that bitter occupation, young Tom was active in the
resistance. He twice was sent to a Nazi labor camp; both times he escaped.
Tom and his wife Annette survived the Holocaust. Others in their family did
not.

Their experiences amid Nazi terror shaped the rest of their lives. After
they left Hungary and made California their home, Tom put his name on the
ballot for a seat in the House of Representatives -- and became the only
survivor of the Holocaust ever elected to Congress. One of his early acts
was to establish the Congressional Human Rights Council [sic]. Annette
served as the Caucus's director. Tom earned the respect from both sides of
the aisle, and he rose to become the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Committee. One colleague put it this way: Tom was at the forefront of
virtually every human rights battle over nearly three decades in the
Congress.

On Capitol Hill, Tom displayed the energy and enthusiasm of people half his
age. When he was in his seventies, he said that he was at the midpoint of
his Congressional career. (Laughter.) When he was diagnosed with a fatal
form of cancer, he responded with typical grace. As he announced his
decision to retire from the job he loved, his words were not of despair,
but of gratitude for a nation that had given him so much. Only in America,
he said, could a penniless survivor of the Holocaust receive an education,
raise a family, and have the privilege of serving in the Congress. That
dying servant of the people then said this: "I will never be able to
express fully my profoundly felt gratitude to this great country."

America is equally grateful to Tom Lantos. We miss his powerful voice and
his strong Hungarian accent. (Laughter.) We miss his generosity of spirit.
And we miss his vigorous defense of human rights and his powerful witness
for the cause of human freedom. For a lifetime of leadership, for his
commitment to liberty, and for his devoted service to his adopted nation, I
am proud to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, posthumously, to Tom
Lantos, and proud that his loving wife Annette will receive the award on
behalf of his family. (Applause.)

One of my great privileges as the President has been to meet so many
outstanding Americans who volunteer to serve our nation in uniform. I've
been inspired by their valor, selflessness, and complete integrity. I found
all those qualities in abundance in General Peter Pace. As Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pete Pace was a skilled and trusted advisor in a
time of war. He helped transform our military into a more efficient and
effective force in America's defense.

General Pace experienced the blessings America offers at an early age. He
was born in Brooklyn to an Italian immigrant father who sometimes worked
two or three jobs at a time to make ends meet. He was raised by a mom who
instilled in him the sustaining power of faith. Together his parents raised
four children who each went on to great achievements in their chosen
fields. That childhood gave young Pete Pace an early glimpse of what he
would later call "the incredible benefits that our nation bestows on those
who come to our shores."

Pete Pace attended the Naval Academy, and as a young Marine soon found his
way to Vietnam. The age of 22, he took command of a platoon engaged in
heavy fighting against the enemy during the Tet offensive. Pete quickly won
the respect and the trust of his unit and formed a bond with all those who
served with him. That bond only strengthened throughout his military
career.

He was the first Marine to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
And he performed his duties with a keen intellect, a sharp wit, and a
passionate devotion to our country. He won the admiration of all who knew
him. And that includes a soldier in Afghanistan who came up to General Pace
last year during his farewell visit to that country, and said simply: "Sir,
thanks for your service. We'll take it from here."

On his final day in uniform, General Pace took a quiet journey to the
Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. He searched the names engraved in the sleek
granite, and then found a spot where he placed his four stars that had
adorned his uniform. Along with those stars he attached notes addressed to
the men who died under his first command some four decades ago. The notes
said: "These are yours -- not mine. With love and respect, your platoon
leader, Pete Pace." General Pace ended his military career the same way
that he began it -- with love for his country and devotion to his fellow
Marines.

For his selfless service to his country, and for always putting the
interests of our men and women in uniform first, I am proud to award the
Presidential Medal of Freedom to General Pete Pace. (Applause.)

When Donna Shalala was 10 years old, a tornado struck her -- struck her
house and her neighborhood near Cleveland. Her parents searched throughout
the house for young Donna, but couldn't find her anywhere. She was finally
spotted down the road, standing in the middle of the road directing
traffic. (Laughter.) Even at a young age, she was ready to take charge.
(Laughter.)

Donna was always an enthusiastic participant in life. She once played on
the girls' softball team coached by George Steinbrenner. (Laughter.) She
also joined the Peace Corps and was stationed in the Middle East. I really
wonder which one of those two experiences was more challenging. (Laughter.)

In 1993, President Clinton nominated Donna as the nation's Secretary of
Health and Human Services. She served for a full two terms -- longer than
any other person who held that position. During her tenure, she developed a
reputation for fairness, and a willingness to hear both sides of an issue.
Former Republican governor who worked closely with Donna called her
"cooperative" and "pragmatic." The late Texas columnist
Molly Ivins once
called her "almost disgustingly cheerful." (Laughter.) I knew Molly --
that's a high compliment. (Laughter.)

As a college president, Donna has demonstrated her commitment to education.
And as co-chair of the Dole-Shalala Commission on Care for America's
Returning Wounded Warriors, she has worked to ensure that we provide the
best possible care for America's veterans, especially those who have borne
the scars of battle. I came to know Donna in the course of the Commission's
work. She believes deeply that our nation has no more important
responsibility than to make sure that we provide our veterans with all the
love and care and support they deserve. Donna, you helped America move
closer to realizing that noble goal -- and your country is deeply grateful.

For her efforts to help more Americans live lives of purpose and dignity, I
am proud to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Donna Edna Shalala.
(Laughter.)

Few men have played roles in as many memorable moments in recent American
history as Laurence Silberman. He was a senior official in the Justice
Department in the aftermath of Watergate, and helped to restore America's
confidence in the Department. As Ambassador to Yugoslavia, he was a
vigorous representative of America's values behind the Iron Curtain. He was
a fierce advocate for the "peace through strength" policies that helped win
the Cold War.

As a federal judge on the D.C. circuit -- often called the second-highest
court in the land -- Judge Silberman has been a passionate defender of
judicial restraint. He writes opinions that one colleague has described as
always cutting to the heart of the matter -- sometimes to the jugular.
(Laughter.) His questioning is crisp and incisive -- and at least one
lawyer who was subjected to his inquiries actually fainted. (Laughter.)
Judge Silberman was a particularly important influence on two other members
of that court: Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. When each was nominated
to the Supreme Court, Judge Silberman, in typical fashion, was not sad to
see them go. That's because when Scalia left the court, Judge Silberman
gained seniority. And when Thomas left the court, Judge Silberman gained
his furniture. (Laughter.)

In a new and dangerous era for our country, Larry Silberman has continued
to answer the call to service. He served with distinction on the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review. He took a year off from the
federal bench to serve as co-chairman of a bipartisan commission on
intelligence reform. And in all his work, he's remained a clear-eyed
guardian of the Constitution. He continues to leave his distinctive mark in
the opinions he issues, and the generations of bright and talented lawyers
he has trained.

For his resolute service to the nation and his stalwart efforts to advance
the cause of ordered liberty, I am proud to bestow the Presidential Medal
of Freedom on Laurence H. Silberman. (Applause.)

My congratulations to each of the recipients. And now the military aide
will read the citations for the Presidential Medals of Freedom.

MILITARY AIDE: Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr. (Laughter and applause.) Dr.
Benjamin Carson is a pioneer in pediatric neurosurgery, and his life is a
testament to the power of education, hard work, and faith. His
groundbreaking contributions to medicine provide hope for people suffering
neurological disorders, and his tireless outreach to America's youth
underscores the importance of academic achievement and humanitarian
service. The United States honors Benjamin Carson for his skill, his
vision, and his dedication to motivating others to strive for excellence.
(Applause.)

(The Medal is presented.) (Applause.)

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. (Applause.) As a physician, medical researcher,
author, and public servant, Dr. Anthony Fauci has dedicated his life to
expanding the horizons of human knowledge and making progress toward
groundbreaking cures for diseases. His efforts to advance our understanding
and treatment of HIV/AIDS have brought hope and healing to tens of millions
in both developed and developing nations. The United States honors Anthony
Fauci for his commitment to enabling men, women, and children to live
longer, healthier lives. (Applause.)

(The Medal is presented.) (Applause.)

Mrs. Annette Lantos, accepting the Medal of Freedom on behalf of her late
husband, Tom Lantos. (Applause.) Tom Lantos was a champion of human rights
and a man of character and conviction. An American by choice and the only
Holocaust survivor to serve in the Congress, he worked to empower oppressed
people around the world in their struggle to secure liberty. He served as a
powerful witness for the importance of freedom and reminded us that we must
never turn a blind eye to inhumanity. The United States honors Tom Lantos
for his committed leadership and his lifetime of service to our nation and
the world. (Applause.)

(The Medal is presented.) (Applause.)

General Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) (Applause.) The 16th Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace is one of our nation's
most accomplished and respected military leaders. He fought for our nation
with honor, and he helped to craft America's response to an unprecedented
assault on our homeland. The United States honors Peter Pace for his
steadfast leadership, his selfless devotion to keeping Americans safe, and
his great courage. (Applause.)

(The Medal is presented.) (Applause.)

Donna Edna Shalala. (Applause.) A distinguished scholar, teacher, academic
administrator, and public servant, Donna Shalala has dedicated herself to
improving the lives of her fellow citizens. She has devoted her prodigious
energies to strengthening a wide range of institutions fundamental to
American life. The United States honors Donna Shalala for her leadership
and for her determination to ensure that all Americans can enjoy lives of
hope, promise, and dignity. (Applause.)

(The Medal is presented.) (Applause.)

Laurence H. Silberman. (Applause.) Laurence H. Silberman has devoted his
life to promoting, enforcing, and defending the rule of law. As a judge, he
has been a clear-eyed guardian of the Constitution, and he has applied the
law with wisdom and integrity. From the Cold War to the war on terror, his
work to strengthen the institutions that protect our nation has made
Americans safer and their liberties more secure. The United States honors
Laurence Silberman for his resolute service to the nation and his stalwart
efforts to advance the cause of ordered liberty. (Applause.)

(The Medal is presented.) (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: In honor of these distinguished men and women, Laura and I
invite you to stay for a reception in the State Dining Room. Please enjoy
yourselves. Congratulations. May God bless you all. (Applause.)

END 10:11 A.M. EDT

===========================================================================
Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/06/20080619-9.html