The latest recipients of the Medal of Freedom (a.k.a. the highest civilian honor in the U.S.) represented a diverse group including scientists Stephen Hawking, and ex-Supreme Court judge Sandra Day O’Conner. Among those also honored were two famous Latinos: dancer/actress Chita Rivera and Dr. Pedro Jose Greer. (Greer helped bring medical service to Miami’s poorest residents and the homeless). Sixteen medal recipients (including two posthumous awardees) were honored at the White House on Wednesday:
The awarding of the medal to some political figures (e.g. Colombian president Alvaro Uribe) has often been the cause of controversy. That was certainly the case with ex-Irish president Mary Robinson who has been accused of being biased against Israel.
Online Sources- USA TODAY, Reuters, The Latin Americanist, AFP
I sure hope these people will serve as models and as examples - but it's beyond unfortunate that they youths know more of Latino boxers than Dr. Greene.
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