Liberty Medal award-winner Secretary Robert Gates and David Eisner, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center
Presenting the Liberty Medal to former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates were SFC Dana Graham of the Liberty USO, Anthony Odierno, representing the Wounded Warrior Project, and David Eisner, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center.
After a lifetme of public service, in the CIA, and ending with serving as Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Robert Gates was awarded the Liberty Medal on September 22 at the National Constitution Center. The word "liberty" took on added meaning as David Eisner, the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, had invited Iraq war veteran Anthony Odierno, representing the Wounded Warrior Project, and SFC Dana Graham of the Pennsyvalnia Army National Guard, representing the USO of Pennslvania and Southern New Jersey (Liberty USO), to present the actual Liberty Medal to Dr. Gates.
Jim Gardner, of Channel 6 ABC, hosted the television broadcast of the Liberty Medal ceremony.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was one of the dignitaries who appeared by video to congratulate Secretary Gates and sing his praises.
With Governor Tom Corbett and Mrs. Lisa Nutter joining other diginitaries on stage, the program included video tributes from Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush, as well as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Mayor Michael Nutter. Gates is unique in having served under both Republican and Democratic administrations, which made his remarks of concern for the condition of public discourse in the country and in the nation's capital today even more pertinent.
The VIP audience included a representation of the area's Jewish community, some of which are pictured here.
(photos by Bonnie Squires)
Harold and Lynn Honickman
Joan Specter awaits Senator Arlen Specter, who was teaching a class before attending the Liberty Medal event.
Eugene and Roz Chaikin
A new twist on this year's Liberty Medal ceremony was the introduction of the official timepiece by Hublot, presented to Secretary Gates at the gala which followed the award ceremony.
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