Jun 19, 2008 11:17 pm US/Eastern
Dr. Carson Receives Presidential Medal Of Freedom
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
World-renowned doctor Ben Carson performs miracles every day for families. His mind is brilliant, his story inspiring and his hands are gifted.
President Bush presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, to leaders in medicine, government, the judiciary and the military. One of those recipients was Dr. Ben Carson, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
Dr. Carson was described by President Bush as a scholar, a healer and a leader. Dr. Carson joined five other Americans receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest award possible for an American citizen.
President and Mrs. Bush welcomed the honorees to the East Room of the White House. Bush lauded and joked with the five recipients and Annette Lantos, who accepted the award on behalf of her late husband, Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif.
The dignitaries assembled as President Bush talked about the humble beginnings of Dr. Ben Carson.
"The story of the first recipient begins in a poor neighborhood in Detroit. It was an environment where people lost themselves to poverty, crime and violence. For a time young Ben Carson was headed down that same path. But through his reliance of faith and family he turned his life in a sharply different direction," said President Bush.
Carson's single mother, who could not read, raised him insisting that he strive for educational excellence.
"She made their education a high priority. Every week, the boys would have to check out library books, right reports on them. She would hand them back with check marks as though she had reviewed them, never letting on that she could not read," said Bush.
Rooted in strong beliefs in God, family and hard work Dr. Carson conquered his own problems to become one of the world's leading pediatric neurosurgeons. But it is his desire to push school age children into greatness that made the White House choose Dr. Carson for this honor.
"His work to be an influence to young people. He and his wife Candy have started an organization that offers college scholarships to students across America. The child of Detroit who once saw a grim future became a scholar, healer and leader," said President Bush.
"I hope that it encourages young people all over the country to recognize that it's not where you come from, it's where you're going that counts," said Carson.
Dr. Carson's family--wife Candy, three children and mother-- joined him at the White House. Immediately following the ceremony there was a reception for the honorees. As soon as the reception was over, Dr. Carson headed straight to Baltimore to perform two surgeries.
Dr. Carson believes the people are more important than the prizes.
"Whether we get medals and special recognition really is not that important. What's really important is that you do the very best that you can, that you take personal responsibility. Not only in your own life, but in those who are in your sphere of influence," said Dr. Carson.
Dr. Carson admired educator Booker T. Washington who walked the very halls of the White House more than 100 years ago. Now, he has surpassed his childhood idol by receiving this award.
"Dr. Carson is a unique individual. He's well-respected, he has great family values. He has great community values, and to be such a great role model for so many young children is very important. We need role models. A lot of people, especially children, are living today because of Dr. Carson," said Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger.
"You know my wife has been so supportive, and you know it's good for the kids to say you know, people actually think your dad's pretty cool. So it was wonderful for them and it was wonderful for me. I'm sure it's something we'll always remember," said Carson.
The Medal of Freedom was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize civilians for their efforts during World War II. The award was reinstated by President Kennedy in 1963 to honor distinguished service.
It is given to those deemed to have made remarkable contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, culture, or other private or public endeavors.
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