Something not much covered in the Press, except locally, so we'll cover it here.
They're all worthy, but there are a few that I want to highlight from a milblog perspective...
The full release, with all recipients of the Presidential Citizen's Medal, is available on the White House website.The Presidential Citizens Medal was established in November 13, 1969, to recognize U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for the nation. It is one of the highest honors the President can confer upon a civilian, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
They're all worthy, but there are a few that I want to highlight from a milblog perspective...
Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.)
As a decorated military leader and innovative public servant, Admiral James Watkins exemplifies the American ideals of courage, character, and ingenuity. He has brought great skill and determination to all of his duties and demonstrated a patriot’s devotion to our country. The United States honors James Watkins for his distinguished and varied public service.
Gary Sinise
Gary Sinise is a humanitarian and a patriot. Working alongside our military and reaching out a compassionate hand to Iraqi children, he is helping a society once brutalized by a tyrant to rebuild and realize the great blessings of liberty. He has also travelled the world to show America’s gratitude to our service members. The United States honors Gary Sinise for his efforts to improve the human condition and his strong commitment to the selfless men and women who devote their lives to military service.
Erwin Morse and Jeffery L. Miller
Erwin Morse and Jeff Miller exemplify the spirit of citizenship that has helped define our Nation. By providing our deserving veterans the opportunity to visit the World War II Memorial, they have shown the compassion and gratitude of our Nation. The United States honors Erwin Morse and Jeff Miller for their work to honor our Nation’s veterans.
Andrew W. Marshall
A tireless public servant, Andrew Marshall has helped protect our citizens and preserve the ideals that make our country strong. His expertise and advice, spanning seven Presidential Administrations, has bolstered our Nation’s security and advanced the cause of freedom. The United States honors Andrew Marshall for his service, patriotism, and selfless devotion to the Nation’s security.
Arnold Fisher
By devoting his time and talents to his fellow veterans, Arnold Fisher has helped America fulfill its obligations to those who have defended our freedom. His compassion and dedication to our military families reflect the best of the American spirit. The United States honors Arnold Fisher for his service to our country’s veterans and their families and for demonstrating the generous and grateful heart of America.
The other recipients are just as worthy, but this *is* a milblog. I'll leave it to others to highlight them.General Wayne A. Downing, USA (Ret.)
General Wayne Downing was an American hero who stepped forward to help defend our Nation and uphold the ideals of our founding. He answered history’s call with honor, decency, and resolve, and he earned the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation. The United States honors Wayne Downing for his selfless service that continues to inspire us as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.
Is that Sinise the actor?
Aside from that, three resounding cheers for the whole group.
That one act will invalidate anything, forever?
Strikes me that Colson represents exactly what prison is supposed to do - redeem someone and change their life for the better.
If Mr. Colson were unrepentant, or in denial (as in the caricature that is OJ Simpson, for example) I would be with you (and I suspect that no medal would have been awarded, either).
But this is a medal recognizing what he's accomplished since then - and, as I said, he's accepted responsibility for his actions, and paid the specfied price.
Clearly, your mileage varies.