TalkingBoxing Articles
Muhammad Ali Awarded The Medal Of Freedom
TUE November 15, BUSTER PARIS - Gathered in the East Room of the White House was a special group of people waiting to be honored by President George W. Bush. This exceptional group was about to be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
So – what is this Medal? – Well, President Harry S. Truman established the medal in 1945 to recognize notable service in World War II and in 1963 President John F. Kennedy reintroduced it as an honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime.
For a more specific interpretation the White House says the Presidential Medal of Freedom is "America's highest civil award, and is presented for meritorious achievement in public service, in science, the arts, education, athletics, business, and other fields of endeavor. All who receive the Medal of Freedom can know that they have a special place in the life of our country, and have earned the respect and affection of the American people."
Why are we talking about this on TalkingBoxing.com? – Because just last week (November 9, 2005) Muhammad Ali deservedly received this honor and once again it is reinforced into the fabric of our existence that Ali not only has a special place in the life of the United States, but he has a special place in the lives of the entire world and has earned the respect and affection of all people.
It’s funny when you think of the folks and company that Ali falls in with, like here – one of the Medal of Freedom recipients has a PhD in economics and has been overwhelmingly instrumental in guiding, nurturing and growing the United States economy. Just ask President Bush and he’ll tell you that this recipient’s on the job era will always be known as "one of phenomenal economic growth, high productivity, and unprecedented innovation and opportunity for all our citizens."
Basically – this guys no dope. He’s Alan Greenspan - Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve of the United States.
The economist and the pugilist – sounds like a great buddy movie premise.
As an Ali admirer, fan and fanatic it’s beautiful to hear President George W. Bush reminding us that Muhammad Ali is truly the Greatest of All Time. We are reminded in two ways, in the Presidents actual words and in the very fact that Muhammad was in the White House in the first place.
Here are the amazing words that the Leader of the Free World shares about Muhammad Ali:
"Only a few athletes are ever known as the greatest in their sport, or in their time. But when you say, 'The Greatest of All Time' is in the room, everyone knows who you mean. It's quite a claim to make -- but as Muhammad Ali once said, 'It's not bragging if you can back it up.' And this man backed it up."
"From the day he won the Gold Medal at the 1960 Olympic Games, we all knew there was something special about this young fighter from Louisville, Kentucky. And his record of 56 and 5, including 37 knockouts and 19 successful title defenses, hardly begins to get the story. Far into the future, fans and students of boxing will study the films, and some will even try to copy his style. But certain things defy imitation: the Ali shuffle, the lightning jabs, the total command of the ring and, above all, the sheer guts and determination he brought to every fight."
"This is a man who once fought more than 10 rounds with a fractured jaw. And he fought to complete exhaustion -- and victory -- in that legendary clash of greats in Manila. The real mystery, I guess, is how he stayed so pretty. It probably had to do with his beautiful soul. He was a fierce fighter and he's a man of peace, just like Odessa and Cassius Clay, Sr. believed their son could be."
"Across the world, billions of people know Muhammad Ali as a brave, compassionate and charming man, and the American people are proud to call Muhammad Ali one of our own."
Man, I could read those words over and over again.
Congratulations Muhammad, keep fighting the good fight and thank you for being a power of example for every living being.
Click here for a full transcript of the Presidential Ceremony of the presentation of the Medals of Freedom.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/11/20051109-2.html
Buster Paris can be reached at: bparis@talkingboxing.com - and always enjoys receiving your thoughts, comments and questions
Forum
