President Obama will present the awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, August 12.Ĭome Out With Pride Orlando ( is proud to be featuring Harvey’s nephew & activist STUART MILK as Parade Grand Marshall during its event to take place October 11, 2009. It is my great honor to award them the Medal of Freedom.” “Their relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens sets a standard to which we all should strive. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way. Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change.
Their tremendous accomplishments span fields from science to sports, from fine arts to foreign affairs. President Obama said, “These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. They have discovered new theories, launched new initiatives, and opened minds to new possibilities. They have blazed trails and broken down barriers. Among their many accomplishments in fields ranging from sports and art to science and medicine to politics and public policy, these men and women have changed the world for the better. This year’s awardees were chosen for their work as agents of change. America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. WASHINGTON – President Obama today named 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
President Obama Names Medal of Freedom Recipientsġ6 Agents of Change to Receive Top Civilian Honor, including HARVEY MILK.