WASHINGTON — President Bush on Monday presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, to recognize contributions in science, the arts, literature and the cause of peace and freedom.
“Each of them, by effort and by character, has earned the respect of the American people and holds a unique place in the story of our time,” Bush said.
The honorees were:
Gary Becker. The economist and 1992 Nobel Prize winner was honored for broadening the understanding of economics and social science and for helping improve the standard of living around the world.
Oscar Elias Biscet. The political prisoner in Cuba was recognized for his fight against tyranny and oppression.
Francis Collins. The director of the National Human Genome Research Institute was honored for his leadership of the Human Genome Project and for expanding the understanding of human DNA.
Benjamin Hooks. The NAACP’s former executive director is considered a pioneer of the civil-rights movement.
Henry Hyde. The former congressman was known for his battles against abortion rights and his leading role in the impeachment of President Clinton. He was honored as a “defender of life” and an advocate for national defense.
Brian Lamb. The president and CEO of C-SPAN was recognized for elevating the public debate and making the government more accessible.
Harper Lee. The author of “To Kill a Mockingbird” was honored for her contribution to American literature.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The president of Liberia is credited with healing a country torn apart by conflict.
