FILE - This combination made from pictures distributed by the FBI in 1964 shows, from left, Michael Schwerner, James Chaney, and Andrew Goodman, civil rights workers who were killed in the 'Mississippi Burning' case of 1964. The men are going to be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, but the honor is not sitting well with some of their relatives. (AP Photo/FBI, File) bberitaa.blogspot.com
FILE - In this June 15, 2014 file photograph, flowers top the memorial marker for Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman, civil rights workers who were killed in the 'Mississippi Burning' case of 1964, outside the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Miss., following a commemorative service in their honor. The men are going to be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, but the honor is not sitting well with some of their relatives. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)bberitaa.blogspot.com
FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2013 photo, Rev. Julia Chaney-Moss of Willingboro, N.J., sister of slain civil rights worker James Chaney, speaks following a news conference on preparations for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer in Jackson, Miss. Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman, who were killed in the 'Mississippi Burning' case of 1964, are going to be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, but the honor is not sitting well with some of their relatives. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)bberitaa.blogspot.com
In this June 15, 2014 photograph, David Goodman, the brother of Andrew Goodman, one of three civil rights workers killed in the 'Mississippi Burning' case of 1964, laughs during a commemorative service for the three men at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Miss Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner and James Chaney are going to be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, but the honor is not sitting well with some of their relatives. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)bberitaa.blogspot.com
In this June 15, 2014 photo, Rita Schwerner Bender, widow of Michael Schwerner, lights a candle during a commemorative service for her husband and the two other men killed in the 'Mississippi Burning' case, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Miss. Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney are going to be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, but the honor is not sitting well with some of their relatives. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)bberitaa.blogspot.com
In this June 15, 2014 photo, Rita Schwerner Bender speaks outside the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Miss., following a commemorative service for her late husband, Michael Schwerner, and the two other civil rights workers killed in the 'Mississippi Burning' case. Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney are going to be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, but the honor is not sitting well with some of their relatives. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)bberitaa.blogspot.com
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is presenting the nation's highest civilian honor to 19 artists, activists, public servants and others.
The distinguished group receiving a Presidential Medal of Freedom includes actress Meryl Streep, Ethel Kennedy, widow of the late Sen. Robert Kennedy, singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder and Rep. John Dingell, a Michigan Democrat and the longest-serving member of Congress. Dingell is retiring at the end of the year.
Others being recognized at a White House ceremony Monday are composer Stephen Sondheim, NBC journalist Tom Brokaw and author Isabel Allende.
The list also includes Native American activist Suzan Harjo, actress Marlo Thomas, economist Robert Solow, golfer Charles Sifford, former Rep. Abner Mikva of Illinois and physicist Mildred Dresselhaus.
Posthumous medals will go to six individuals, among them civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, who were slain in 1964 as they participated in a historic voter registration drive in Mississippi.
Other posthumous awards will go to choreographer Alvin Ailey and Reps. Patsy Mink of Hawaii and Edward Roybal of California, founder of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is reserved for individuals who have made 'meritorious contributions' to U.S. security, world peace or cultural endeavors.
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Posted by Unknown on Monday, November 24, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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