[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 24 (Monday, June 23, 2008)]
[Pages 881-885]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom

June 19, 2008

    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

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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, to--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.
    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. [Laughter]
    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 5 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, 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 his 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, Megan, and Alison. 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.

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    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 
[Caucus] *. 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.
    * White House correction.
    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 Pete Pace. As Chairman 
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pete Pace was a skilled and trusted 
adviser 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; 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. At 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

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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.
    When Donna Shalala was 10 years old, a tornado 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 Cochair 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.
    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 DC 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 Cochairman 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.

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

[At this point, Lt. Cmdr. Robert A. Roncska, USN, Navy Aide to the 
President, read the citations, and the President presented the medals.]

    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.

Note: The President spoke at 9:45 a.m. in the East Room at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to George M. Steinbrenner III, 
chairperson, New York Yankees baseball team; and former Gov. Tommy G. 
Thompson of Wisconsin.