Obama to award Tutu medal of freedom

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu will accept the Medal of Freedom award from United States President Barack Obama in Washington, DC next week, his office said on Friday.

“I am overwhelmed, deeply honoured, humbled and I am something that I don’t often get to be, speechless,” Tutu said in a statement.

“As always, I am so aware that it’s really given to me representatively. I could not be who I have been without the millions of people who honoured me by agreeing for me to be their leader.

“I am standing out only because they are carrying me on their shoulders.”

According to online encyclopaedia, Wikipedia, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a decoration bestowed by the US president and is, along with the equivalent Congressional Gold Medal bestowed by an act of congress, the highest civilian award in the US.

It is designed to recognise individuals who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the US, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.

The award is not limited to US citizens, and while a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel.—Sapa