Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was the 2011 recipient of the Liberty Medal, awarded during an evening ceremony Sept. 22, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
The only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to serve presidents of different parties, Gates boasts five decades of public service across eight presidencies.
“He exemplifies the spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation that gave life to our democracy – a spirit that is increasingly rare today, but needed more than ever as ‘We the People’ wrestle with a level of economic and political turmoil we have not faced for generations,” National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner said.
Known as the “Soldier’s Secretary” for his support of the troops and efforts to advance their welfare, Gates was presented the prestigious award by Iraq War veteran Anthony Odierno, representing Wounded Warrior Project, and Sergeant First Class Dana Graham of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
In a conversation with National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner, Gates described what he wanted most from his legacy. “The thing that matters most to me is those young men and women on the battlefield knew they had a Secretary of Defense who would do anything and spend anything to give them what they need to be successful on the battlefield and come home safe," Gates said. "If not safe, give them the best medical care for them. Those troops there felt that way – that was all I wanted."
The award ceremony included a military medley performance by The Singing Sergeants of the US Air Force, and the song “I’m Already There” by Richie McDonald. Gates received video tributes from President George H.W. Bush, under whom Gates served as Director of the CIA; President Bill Clinton; President George W. Bush, who appointed Gates as Secretary of Defense in 2006; and former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
“It is very moving” the 68-year-old former Secretary of Defense told a group of reporters, prior to the ceremony, as he referred to his emotional bonds with Philadelphia, the nation’s birthplace. Gates said he first came to Philadelphia in 1956 when he was a 12-year-old boy scout visiting the Liberty Bell.
Coming back to the city as former secretary to receive the award made him feel “deeply grateful.”
The Value of Compromise
In his address, and media Q&A, Gates reflected upon his public service, the future of the military, the role of Congress and the press, and what he perceived to be the political predicament for the government.
“Congress and the press are the surest guarantees of American liberty,” Gates said, “Don’t think of them as the enemy. To do so is self-defeating.”
In emphasizing the value of compromise in a democratic government system, Gates stated “Those who think they alone have the right answers, who demonize those who think differently, and who refuse to listen and take other points of view into account—these leaders are a danger to the American people, and to our future.”
When commenting on an Epoch Times reporter’s question about China, Gates said “I don’t think China is much of a threat, ideologically, even in their own home. The Party (Chinese Communist Party) is now largely seen as a vehicle for advancement in your job, but not as an ideological conviction.”
Established in 1988 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, the Liberty Medal was awarded annually to distinguished individuals or groups for their work to promote freedom around the globe. Past Liberty Medal winners include former Presidents Bush and Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Bono, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Doctors Without Borders, and CNN International.
