The National Constitution Center announced that Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will receive the 2013 Liberty Medal in recognition of her lifelong career in public service and her ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of women and girls around the globe. Past recipients of the Liberty Medal include: Muhammad Ali, Tony Blair, George H.W. Bush, Williams J. Clinton, Colin Powell, and Kofi Annan.
Governor Jeb Bush, chair of the National Constitution Center, will award the prestigious medal to Secretary Clinton during the 25th annual Liberty Medal ceremony on Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at 7 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the National Constitution Center on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia.
Throughout her nearly four-decade career as one of America’s most dedicated public servants, Secretary Clinton has continued to champion equal opportunities for women and girls in order to advance the security and prosperity of all people and nations. As the 67th Secretary of State, Clinton broke national and global barriers. She was the first First Lady to serve in a presidential Cabinet. She traveled to more countries than any other Secretary of State. She used social media to engage citizens in the workings of diplomacy, and she paid an official visit to Burma, making her the highest U.S. representative to do so in half a century. As Secretary of State, Clinton advocated for “smart power” in foreign policy, elevating diplomacy and development and repositioning them for the 21st century—with new tools, technologies, and partners, including the private sector and civil society around the world.
“Former Secretary Clinton has dedicated her life to serving and engaging people across the world in democracy,” said National Constitution Center Chairman Governor Jeb Bush. “These efforts as a citizen, an activist, and a leader have earned Secretary Clinton this year’s Liberty Medal.”
“The Liberty Medal recognizes individuals who have furthered the ideals of freedom, democracy, and equality, often against great odds,” said National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. “Hillary Clinton has devoted her life to expanding opportunities for ‘We the People’ not just in this country but around the globe.”
“Hillary Clinton’s lifelong commitment and sense of civic duty is admirable and a reminder of the importance of actively participating in our democracy,” said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. “The Liberty Medal is another defining moment in a lifetime of moments for the former Secretary of State and is justly deserved.”
“As a life-long public servant, elected official, advocate and civic leader, Hillary Clinton has championed critical issues which she passionately cares about, collaborated with colleagues across the political spectrum, and worked on behalf of every American,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “She is a most deserving addition to the list of renowned men and women who have been awarded the Liberty Medal. I am thrilled the National Constitution Center has chosen to honor her contributions and achievements.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton served as the 67th Secretary of State of the United States from January 21, 2009 until February 1, 2013, after nearly four decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, and Senator.
As First Lady, Hillary Clinton advocated for universal affordable, quality health care and led successful bipartisan efforts to improve the adoption and foster care systems, reduce teen pregnancy, and establish both the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Early Head Start, which provides support for children in the crucial first three years of life.
She also traveled to more than 80 countries as a representative of our country, winning respect as a champion of human rights, democracy, civil society, and opportunities for women and girls around the world.
In 2000, Clinton made history as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate. She worked across party lines to expand economic opportunity and access to quality, affordable health care, including for wounded service members, veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserves. After September 11, 2001, she helped secure more than $20 billion for the rebuilding of New York and fought for the health needs of first responders who risked their lives at Ground Zero.
In 2007 and 2008, Clinton made her historic campaign for President of the United States, winning 18 million votes, and more primaries and delegates than any woman had before.
In her four years as Secretary of State, Clinton played a central role in restoring America’s standing in the world and strengthening its global leadership. Her “smart power” approach to foreign policy elevated American diplomacy and development and repositioned them for the 21st century—with new tools, technologies, and partners, including the private sector and civil society around the world.
