Speeches & Texts
Statement on Decision to Award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Chancellor Merkel
Berlin, November 17, 2010
Ambassador Philip D. Murphy
I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom early next year by President Barack Obama. In announcing this year’s honorees, who also include President George H. W. Bush, Congressmen John Lewis, and poet Maya Angelou, the President said that they “have lived extraordinary lives that have inspired us, enriched our culture, and made our country and our world a better place.” This year, the 20th anniversary of German unification, is a particularly meaningful time to honor Chancellor Merkel, who was singled out by the President for her commitment to freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is my country’s highest civilian honor, awarded to those who have made especially meritorious contributions to the United States and to the world. It is only fitting that this year the Medal goes to one of the United States’ closest friends.
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