Washington, D.C.—On October 8, 2019, President Donald J. Trump awarded former Reagan Attorney General and long-time ACRU Board Member Edwin Meese III with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor.
Established by President Harry Truman in 1945, the medal is given to individuals who display “especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
“The Board, Policy Council and staff of the American Civil Rights Union join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to General Meese for this well-deserved and special honor,” stated ACRU President Lori Roman.
“Few have contributed more to freedom and rule of law both inside and outside of government than General Meese,” she noted. “With the wisdom of a modern-day Founding Father, Meese has served as a guiding light for patriotism and the conservative movement for nearly eight decades. He is not just admired and respected for his tireless dedication to the individual liberty of every American, he is truly beloved.”
Meese started his “career” as an advocate of liberty at age 10 by writing his own patriotic newspaper and selling it to buy war bonds. During his career, he served as an Army officer, lawyer and author, dedicating his post-Reagan years to developing and supporting a number of free market, Constitution-based think tanks and advocacy groups.
During the medal ceremony, General Meese stated, “throughout my life and career, my aim has been to remain committed to the Constitution, the rule of law and the conservative American values that have made America ‘the shining city upon a hill.’”
“While presenting the medal, President Trump called General Meese an ‘authentic public servant,’ continued Roman. “It is impossible to understate the impact he has had on American freedom and moral culture. We are honored to have him serve on our Board, and celebrate this distinguished honor with General Meese and his wonderful and supportive wife, Mrs. Ursula Meese.”
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The American Civil Rights Union is a non-partisan, non-profit public policy organization dedicated to defending the constitutionally-protected civil rights of all Americans.
This press release may be quoted in part of in whole with proper attribution to the American Civil Rights Union and its president, Lori Roman.