Aug 12, 2009 5:32 pm US/Eastern
Miami Doctor Receives Medal Of Freedom
Dr. Pedro José Greer Jr. Will Receive The U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Medals Represents The Nation's Highest Honor For A Civilian
WASHINGTON (CBS4) ―
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Dr. Pedro Jose Greer Jr. receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.
CBS
A South Florida doctor who has been a longtime advocate for the poor and founded the Camillus Health Concern, which provides medical care to more than 10 thousand homeless patients, has received one of this nation's highest honors in a special ceremony at the White House.
On Wednesday afternoon, President Barack Obama bestowed on Florida International University's Dr. Pedro José Greer the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"I am deeply humbled by this incredible honor,'' Greer said in a statement. "I love medicine and what it can do for our community, particularly those in need. This is our country, this is our community and it's our responsibility as physicians to make sure we take care of those who need it most.''
In addition to his work with the Camillus Health Concern, Greer is also the founder and medical director of the St. John Bosco Clinic which provides medical care to poor children and adults in Miami's Hispanic community.
Greer joins a highly distinguished list of individuals who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, tennis legend Billie Jean King and retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.
Other individuals honored at Wednesday's ceremony included Race for the Cure founder Nancy Brinker, physicist Stephen Hawking, civil rights activist Rev. Joseph Lowery, and entertainers Sidney Poitier and Chita Rivera.
Former Rep. Jack Kemp, who died in May, and gay rights activist Harvey Milk, who was assassinated in 1978, will receive posthumous awards.
For a complete list of honorees,
click here.
Accomplished in fields ranging from sports and art to science and medicine to politics and public policy and representing a diversity of backgrounds, the White House announcement said the recipients were selected for their work as "agents of change."
"Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way," Obama said. "Their relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens sets a standard to which we all should strive."
President Harry S. Truman established the Medal of Freedom in 1945 to recognize civilians for their efforts during World War II. President John F. Kennedy reinstated the medal in 1963 to honor distinguished service. Those who receive it have made noteworthy contributions to the security or national interests of the U.S., world peace or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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