US Presidential Medal of Freedom to be presented to John Howard

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From The Australian

JOHN Howard will be awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in Washington next week, in one of George W Bush's final acts as president.
Mr Bush, who described the former Prime Minister as "a man of steel" during their warm relationship and cooperation through the Coalition of Willing in Iraq, said today through a spokeswoman that Mr Howard was being honoured for his efforts to promote democracy, human rights and peace abroad.

The award is the highest civilian decoration of the United States and was first established by former US President Harry S Truman in 1945 and largely focused on wartime service.

It was re-established by John F. Kennedy and the criteria for the award was broadened to include meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the US, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.

Previous recipients of the award included boxer Muhammad Ali and Apollo 11 astronauts Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins.

Mr Howard, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe will be awarded the medals at a ceremony at the White House on January 13.

"The President is honoring these leaders for their work to improve the lives of their citizens and for their efforts to promote democracy, human rights and peace abroad," White House spokeswoman, Dana Perino said at press briefing in Washington.

"All three leaders have been staunch allies of the United States, particularly in combating terrorism. And their efforts to bring hope and freedom to people around the globe have made their nations, America and the world community a safer and more secure world."

Mr Howard said today it was a reflection of the "very obvious" warmth between the two political leaders.

``Yes, I am honoured by it, more because of the compliment it pays to our country Australia,'' Mr Howard told ABC Radio.

``It's an indication of the very close relationship between our two countries and I'm very pleased that during the time as prime minister I was able to contribute too.''

Other winners include businesswoman Estee Lauder, actors Doris Day and Lucille Ball and free market economist Milton Friedman.

Australian-born Nancy Wake, the wartime French resistance fighter, has also previously won the award, as have Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin.

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A great tribute to a great leader. I have had the privilege of meeting our former PM on several occasions and he truly inspires confidence in one self and the task at hand. A great leader whose commitment to stand firm in the War on Terror has lead to this country and the world being a safer place.

Congratulations Sir.

Congratulations to Tony Blair as well.