Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Everything you never knew about presidential medal of freedom, from its obscure origins to the surprising ways it shapes the world today.

The Forgotten Origins of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, has a fascinating history that is often overlooked. Contrary to popular belief, it did not originate with a presidential executive order or act of Congress, but rather from a little-known committee formed in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy.

In the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs fiasco, Kennedy sought to create a new national award that would recognize individuals who had made exceptional contributions to the United States, beyond just political or military service. He assembled a diverse panel of luminaries, including the renowned philosopher Hannah Arendt, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and renowned architect I.M. Pei. This "President's Committee on the National Medal" spent months debating the criteria and design of the new medal.

After much deliberation, the committee settled on a design featuring the iconic Presidential Seal on the front, surrounded by an elaborate wreath. The reverse would bear the recipient's name and a simple inscription: "For Distinctive Achievements." The first Presidential Medals of Freedom were awarded in 1963 to 31 pioneering Americans, including nuclear physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and baseball legend Jackie Robinson.

The Surprising Ways the Medal Has Been Awarded

Over the decades, the Presidential Medal of Freedom has been bestowed upon a diverse array of recipients, from renowned scientists and artists to humble volunteers and community leaders. While the criteria have remained broadly similar - honoring those who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors" - the specific choices have at times been controversial.

For example, in 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded the medal to J. Edgar Hoover, the long-serving and notoriously abusive director of the FBI. Hoover's surveillance and harassment of civil rights leaders, political dissidents, and other perceived "enemies" of the state were well documented, yet Johnson praised him as a "dedicated public servant." This decision was widely criticized, even at the time.

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not a reward for political loyalty, but a recognition of the highest civilian service." - Senator Edward Kennedy, 1977

In more recent years, the medal has also been the subject of accusations of politicization. Critics have pointed to instances where recipients were chosen primarily for their political connections or ideological alignment with the sitting president, rather than for any singular accomplishment.

Nevertheless, the Presidential Medal of Freedom remains one of the nation's most prestigious honors, with recipients ranging from Nobel laureates to civil rights pioneers to beloved entertainers. Its ability to recognize excellence in so many different realms is a testament to the vision of its long-forgotten founders.

The Surprising Global Impact of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

While the Presidential Medal of Freedom is an American award, its influence and impact extend far beyond the borders of the United States. The medal has become a symbol of American ideals, honoring individuals who have championed democracy, human rights, and global cooperation.

One notable example is the case of Václav Havel, the Czech playwright and dissident who helped lead the Velvet Revolution that toppled communist rule in Czechoslovakia. In 1989, just months after assuming the presidency, George H.W. Bush awarded Havel the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his pivotal role in the peaceful overthrow of totalitarianism in Eastern Europe.

Similarly, Nelson Mandela received the medal in 1991, while still incarcerated under South Africa's apartheid regime. This was seen as a powerful statement of American support for the anti-apartheid movement and the struggle for racial equality.

In an era of growing authoritarianism and nationalist sentiment around the world, the Presidential Medal of Freedom has continued to serve as a beacon of American ideals. By honoring individuals who have championed universal human rights, scientific advancement, and moral courage, the medal reminds both Americans and the global community of the enduring power of the country's founding principles.

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The Surprising Future of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

As the Presidential Medal of Freedom approaches its 60th anniversary, its future remains uncertain. In recent years, the award has come under increased scrutiny, with critics accusing presidents of both parties of using it to reward political allies and score partisan points.

In 2017, for example, President Trump faced backlash for awarding the medal to rightwing radio host Rush Limbaugh, who had a long history of making inflammatory and divisive statements. Similarly, President Biden's decision to honor former congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis posthumously was praised by many, but also drew accusations of political opportunism.

These controversies have led some to question whether the medal's prestige and meaning have been irrevocably tarnished. However, others argue that the award's greatest strength lies in its ability to transcend partisan divides and recognize the inherent dignity of the human spirit.

As the United States grapples with deep political and social divisions, the future of the Presidential Medal of Freedom may hinge on its ability to remain above the fray - a testament to the enduring values of democracy, compassion, and excellence that have defined the American experiment since its inception.

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