9 Americans Obama Could Have Awarded
Presidential Medals To…But Didn’t
The “Presidential Medal of Freedom” is an award that’s been given to famous people (mostly) in the arts, sciences, public service and sport since 1963 when it morphed from being a celebration of selfless civilian service in World War II to its current form.
This year’s MOF recipients are an impressive group of famous entertainers. Singer Barbra Streisand, musical genius Stephen Sondheim, producer and director Steven Spielberg, singers Emilio and Gloria Estefan, and “The Say Hey Kid” baseball great Willie Mays were among the honored at a White House ceremony this week.
Image Credit: YouTube
But here are nine Americans who, through their selfless acts, made all the difference in the freedom of others and could easily have been on the receiving end of those medals:
Paris Train Heroes
Image Credit: YouTube
Americans helped in saving countless lives aboard a Paris train when they stopped a terrorist from shooting innocent passengers. The men were given the highest French civilian honor. They were also invited to the White House to meet the president. Both Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos are military vets.
Oregon Community College Hero
Image Credit: YouTube
Chris Mintz made himself a target to save the lives of others when a crazed gunman started shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. He was shot five times and survived.
Heroes From Charleston Church Shooting
Image Credit: Screenshot/NBC News
While telling the story of her brave son Tywanza who, while the Charleston church killer was still shooting crawled to his aunt to save her from the bullets, Felicia Sanders outed herself as a hero. She saved the life of her granddaughter by “nuzzling her so hard” and telling her to play dead.
A Hollywood Actor With a Hero Past
Before his movie career, Steve Buscemi was an FDNY firefighter. When September 11th happened, Buscemi went back to his old fire company to help and has been an ardent activist for his firefighter brethren ever since.
Hero Teacher
When teacher and librarian Jena Meaux heard the gun shots in theLafayette, Louisiana, theater she knew what had to be done. Meaux was shot as she covered her friend, allowing her to reach the fire alarm.
An Amputee Who Rejoined the Rangers
Image Credit: YouTube
Army Ranger Joseph ‘Kap’ Kapacziewski told USA Today no one believed him when he swore he’d get back to jumping out of airplanes with his buddies in the 75th Ranger Regiment again. Not only did he get back into combat with a new prosthetic leg, he also earned an Army commendation with a ‘V’ for valor for his actions in saving others.
Working for freedom comes in many forms. These people deserve their due. We are thankful for their willingness to put themselves on the line for the rest of us.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for commenting. Your comments are needed for helping to improve the discussion.