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Vartan Gregorian One of 13 Medal of Freedom RecipientsVartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and former president of the New York Public Library during the 1980s, received the nation’s highest civilian honor June 23 along with 12 other distinguished individuals at a ceremony at the White House. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize notable service during World War II, was reintroduced by President Kennedy in February 1963 as an award to citizens of any nation “for especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”In presenting the medal, President Bush cited Gregorian’s birth in Tabriz, Iran, where “as a boy, he loved books, and was blessed with a wonderful grandmother who encouraged him and inspires him still.” He added that “Dr. Gregorian has won the loyal friendship of many students and colleagues, and he has received more than 50 honorary degrees.” Other Medal of Freedom recipients this year included golfer Arnold Palmer, actresses Rita Moreno and Doris Day, Pope John Paul II, the late cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, and journalist Norman Podhoretz. Posted July 2, 2004. |
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