[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 10 (Monday, March 13, 2000)]
[Page 473]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Legislation To Award the Congressional Gold Medal to John 
Cardinal O'Connor

March 5, 2000

    The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed 
by the U.S. Congress. Today I am proud to sign legislation ratifying the 
decision of the Congress to present this award--the first Gold Medal of 
the new millennium--to His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor.
    For more than 50 years, Cardinal O'Connor has served the Catholic 
Church and our Nation with constancy and commitment. From his early days 
performing parish work in his native Philadelphia, to his long service 
as a military chaplain in places like Korea and Vietnam, to his 16 years 
leading the Archdiocese of New York, Cardinal O'Connor's journey of 
faith has been America's blessing.
    Whether it was the soldier on the battlefield or the patient 
battling AIDS, Cardinal O'Connor has ministered with a gentle spirit and 
a loving heart. Through it all, he has stood strong as an advocate for 
the poor, a champion for workers, and an inspiration for millions. He 
has worked tirelessly to bridge divides between those of different 
backgrounds and faiths, reminding us that the most important thing we 
share is our common humanity.
    Cardinal O'Connor has always had the courage to speak his mind and 
act on the firmness of his convictions. In recent months, we have seen 
his courage on display once more in the face of illness. Today, as our 
Nation salutes Cardinal O'Connor, we thank him for dedicating his life 
to lifting the lives of others.