DR.
Billy Graham
AWARDS
AND HONORS
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men
more than the praise of God. (KJV)
Please be aware that some of the awards mentioned
are officailly listed on the BEGA web site but I am
unable to get information based on some of the listed
awards, if you have any of the information on any
that may not be listed on this page or you have any
further information about the listed awards below
please e-mail be as this will help with this research,
thank you.
"Ten
Most Admired Men in the World" from the
Gallup Poll since 1955 a total of 48 times, including
41 consecutive -- more than any other individual
in the world, placing him at the head of the overall
list of those most admired by Americans for the
past four decades
Here
is a Video from the Gallup Poll,
here is Gallup Polls quiz on Graham
Gallup's Most Admired list more than any other since
1948, the Reverend Billy Graham has appeared on the
list more than any other man - 42 times. President Bill
Clinton's average rank of 1.1 is the highest among all
men appearing on the list in its history.
National Pilgrim Society
(no info as yet on the subject)
Clergyman of the Year from the National Pilgrim Society
The Salvation Army
Distinguished
Service Medal of the Salvation Army
William Booth award.
Since
1949, he has conducted 416 crusades in 185
countries and preached the Gospel to more than 210
million people. His ministry did not go unoticed by
The Salvation Army. In 1989, he received the Army’s
William Booth award.
In 1972, just before his Cleveland crusade, Graham
visited the Salvation Army’s multipurpose center in
the Hough community in that city. After he had taken
note of the programs designed to counter urban poverty
and pathology and interviewed people implementing
those programs, he said, “This is Christianity in action.”
Marquis Who's Who
Who's Who in America annually since 1954
the 2006 edition of Who's Who in America features the most diverse group of achievers, leaders and superstars ever assembled in the 107-year history of Marquis' Who's Who in America.
Education
BA, Wheaton College (Illinois), 1943
ThB, Florida Bible Institute, Tampa, 1940
ThB numerous hon. degrees, including, Houghton (New York ) College
ThB numerous hon. degrees, including, Baylor University
ThB numerous hon. degrees, including, The Citadel
ThB numerous hon. degrees, including, William Jewell College
Career
Ordained to ministry Southern Baptist Convention, 1939; minister First Baptist Church, Western Springs, Illinois, 1943-45; 1st vice president Youth for Christ, International, 1945-50; president Northwestern College, Minneapolis, 1947-52; founder World Wide Pictures, Inc., Burbank, California; worldwide evangelistic campaigns, 1949—; speaker weekly Hour of Decision radio program, 1950—; also periodic Crusade Telecasts; founder Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1950; hon. chairman Lausanne Congress World Evangelization, 1974
Awards
Recipient
numerous awards, including Bernard Baruch award,
1955, Humane Order of African Redemption, 1960, Gold
award George Washington Carver Memorial Institute, 1964,
Horatio Alger award, 1965, International Brotherhood award
National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1971, Sylvanus
Thayer award Association Grads. U.S. Military Academy,
1972, Franciscan International award, 1972, Man of South
award, 1975, Liberty Bell award, 1975, Templeton prize for
Progress in Religion, 1982, Presidential Medal of Freedom,
1983, William Booth award Salvation Army, 1989, Congl.
Gold Medal, 1996; Freedom award Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, 2000,
Hon. Knight Commander Order British
Empire, 2001; named to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame,
Gospel Music Association, 1999.
Freedoms Foundation Distinguished Persons
Award (numerous years)
The
Distinguished Award is Freedoms Foundation’s most
prestigious award. With this award the Foundation recognizes exceptional
individuals and organizations that exemplify the
best of the American Spirit and stand out as good citizens,
role models and modern day heroes to our nation’s youth.
Recipients inspire young Americans to keep our nation’s
values alive and to believe that they can effect positive
change in the world around them.
Each
year since 1949, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
has honored those whose deeds merit the applause of all who
cherish the highest standards of patriotic citizenship. The
Distinguished Awards program was generously endowed in
1992 by Dr. Robert B. Pamplin, Jr., and Mr. Robert B. Pamplin,
Sr., who recognized the importance of honoring outstanding
Americans as a way to encourage others.
In addition to awards to American citizens, the Foundation may present the American Friendship Medal to non-Americans, who, through their own example, encourage others in their pursuit of liberty.
Each Distinguished Award recipient receives a cherry plaque bearing the George Washington Honor Medal and their citation etched in brass. In addition, individual recipients receive a one and a half inch solid gold replica of the George Washington Honor Medal on a satin neck ribbon.
The Distinguished Award recipients are chosen by an independent National Awards Jury comprised of state supreme court justices and executive officers of national patriotic, educational and service organizations and from recommendations from our Volunteer Chapters and Board of Directors. Guidelines for selection are based on the American Credo and Bill of Responsibilities.
In 1954 Rev. Bill Graham Special Award
National
Institute of Social Science
(no info as yet on the subject)
Gold
Medal Award, National Institute of Social
Science, New York, 1957
Annual Gutenberg Award of the Chicago Bible Society,
1962
(no info as yet on the subject)
Gold
Award of the George Washington Carver
Memorial Institute, 1964, for contribution to race
relations, presented by Senator Javits (NY).
Click
here to view the link
BGEA: NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR; JUN 26, 1964. "Billy Graham Day," June 26, 1964, at the fair; Graham receiving the Gold Award of 1963 of the George Washington Carver Memorial Institute from Senator Jacob Javits; also on the platform are Robert Moses, William Rowe, and Dan Piatt.
Billy
Graham has received the Big Brother Award for his work on
behalf of the welfare of children and been cited by the George
Washington Carver Memorial Institute for his contributions to
race relations.
1965 Speaker of the Year Award, Delta Sigma Rho-Tau
Kappa Alpha, University of Indiana
(no info as yet on the subject)
Golden
Plate Award, American Academy of
Achievement, 1965
(no info as yet on the subject)
Horatio
Alger Award, 1965
President
and CEO of the Horatio Alger Association.
Each year since 1947 ten distinguished persons have been
selected for induction as Members of this prestigious
organization. Among the 585 Members of the Association
are well known Americans including Dr. Maya Angelou,
former Senator Robert J. Dole, boxing legend George Foreman,
Reverend Billy Graham, entrepreneur H. Wayne
Huizenga, former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and
media-mogul Oprah Winfrey.
National Citizenship Award by the
Military Chaplains Association of
the U.S.A., 1965
(no info as yet on
the subject)
Wisdom Award of Honor, Wisdom Magazine and Wisdom Society Beverly Hills,
CA, 1965
What is the Wisdom Society ??
The Wisdom Society focuses on practical wisdom, as it differentiates that kind of wisdom from the metaphysical / meaning-of-life variety. The organization establishes chapters and discussion groups "To debate, in print, all controversial ideas with the objective of finding where reasoned opinion lies."
Contact: The Wisdom Society, P.O. Box 4126, San Marcos, CA 92069 USA. Phone: 619-737-WISE (619-931-9834)
Big Brother of the Year Award, at the White House,
Washington, D.C., 1966, for contribution to the
welfare of children.
(no
info as yet on the subject)
The Torch of Liberty Plaque by the Anti-Defamation
League of B'nai B'rith, 1969
B'nai B'rith - Click here to view the link
The Anti-Defamation League - Click here to view the link
(no
info as yet on the subject)
George Washington Honor Medal from
Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania, for his sermon "The
Violent Society," 1969
(no info as yet on the subject)
Honored by Morality in Media for "fostering the principles
of truth, taste, inspiration and love in media," 1969
Morality in Media is a Catholic organisation on the fight against pornography in the media, also linked to the catholic masonic organisation the kights of columbus the logo is below.
Click here to view the link
International Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians
and Jews, 1971
Founded 1927, now known as the National Conference for Community and Justice.
(no
info as yet on the subject)
Distinguished
Service Award from the National
Association of Broadcasters, 1972
(no info as yet on the subject)
Franciscan
International Award, 1972
On
4/21/72, Graham received the Catholic International Franciscan Award for
"his contribution to true ecumenism" and "his sincere and
authentic ecumenism" (4/22/72, Minneapolis Star). In acknowledging
the award, Graham said, "While I am not worthy to touch the shoe laces
of St. Francis, yet this same Christ that called Francis in the 13th century
also called me to be one of his servants in the 20th century" (2/86,
The Gospel Standard).
Click
here to view the link
1972 Dr. William F. Graham
Sylvanus
Thayer Award from United States
Military Academy Association of Graduates
at West Point (The most prestigious award
the United States Military Academy gives to
a U.S. citizen), 1972
1972
SYLVANUS THAYER AWARD - CITATION
WILLIAM FRANKLIN GRAHAM
As
educator, author, and evangelist, William Franklin
Graham has devoted his life to the service of God,
Country and fellow man. The truth of his teaching
and the inspiration of his leadership have had a
profound influence on the moral and spiritual life of
the Nation and millions around the world.
During
the period of Dr. Graham's career, the United
States has fought in three wars and has undergone
extraordinary and far reaching sociological change.
The conventional wisdom of earlier generations of
Americans and their traditional values have been
questioned and, for many, found wanting.
Dr.
Graham's response to this challenge has been
that spiritual problems require spiritual solutions.
One of our most fundamental needs is for moral
authority and spiritual fulfillment. Both man and
society will find solutions to those problems and
satisfy those needs through obedience to
God's will, adherence to truth, and a genuine
concern for humanity.
More
than 50 million people have sought, heard and
seen Dr. Graham's personal delivery of that message.
Other millions have been influenced by his books,
magazine articles and radio and television addresses.
The youth of America, particularly servicemen and
college students, have found special meaning in the
humility of the man and the sincerity of his
commitment. The universality of his belief has
transcended the boundaries of race and national
origin. Dr. Graham's moral and spiritual leadership
and its significance to the life of our Nation have
been recognized by four Presidents of the United States.
In
discharging his life's obligations, Dr. Graham has
returned his personal renown to the further fulfillment
of his mission. The moral and spiritual authority
which has flown from his sharing of faith with others
has been reinvested in his pursuit of the solution to
the moral and spiritual problems of mankind. His
extraordinary influence on the lives of individual
Americans and on our society has its deepest roots
in his sense of duty to God and man, his unfailing
advocacy of truth, and his selfless concern for the
American spirit.
Through
his long and dedicated service to God and
Country, Dr. Graham. has made a lasting and invaluable
contribution to the moral and spiritual welfare of
America. In his life and work he has reflected to a
wide segment of mankind those values inherent in
Duty, Honor, Country.
Accordingly,
the 1972 Sylvanus Thayer Award is hereby
awarded by the Association of Graduates of the United
States Military Academy to William Franklin Graham.
George Washington Medal Award for Patriotism
from Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, 1974
(no
info as yet on the subject)
Direct
Selling Association's Salesman of the Decade
award, 1975
(no info as yet on the subject)
Philip Award from the Association of United
Methodist Evangelists, 1976
The National Association of United Methodist Evangelists
annually honor two evangelists who have served the work
of our Lord Jesus Christ faithfull, skillfully, and with
creative fruitfulness. The name "Philip Award" was selected
in honor of the EVANGELIST PHILIP in Acts 8:4-10 and 21:8.
The "Philip
Award" recipients are elected annually by
secret ballot by the members of the National Association
of United Methodist Evangelists.
The Philip Awards
are presented at the association's
annual meeting each year, and those honored are
pictures here with brief citations of their service to
Christ and his church.
To
view the Award deatials goto
http://naume.org/philipaward/
First
National Interreligious Award, American
Jewish Committee, 1977
Jewish outreach
"You
know that I stand before you as an evangelical
Christian who is committed to the beliefs of the New
Testament. You do not expect me to be anything other
than what I am," Graham said during his first address to
a national Jewish group. Giving Graham the American
Jewish Committee's first national interreligious award,
Rabbi Marc Tanenaum credited most of the progress in
Protestant-Jewish relations between 1950 and '75
(when the award was given) to Graham's leadership.
Graham tread a fine line when he said his work was
"to proclaim the gospel to Jew and Gentile." Yet he also
said he never felt called to "single out Jews as Jews." It
was a difficult needle to thread when, at the time, a
national evangelism effort, called Key 73, raised
concerns that Jews were being particularly targeted
for evangelism. Some worried that groups were even
using deceptive techniques to find Jewish converts.
In
response, Graham wrote, "Just as Judaism frowns on
proselyting that is coercive, or that seems to commit
men against their will, so do I. Gimmicks, coercion, and
intimidation have had no place in my evangelistic efforts,
certainly not in historical biblical evangelism . . . The
Gospel's method is persuasive invitation, not coercion."
Graham's
sensitivity and outreach, without
compromising his evangelistic efforts, won respect
from the Jewish community. During his 30-minute
speech to the American Jewish Committee, Graham
was interrupted with applause five times.
Continuing inclusivity
Outreach
and understanding have continued to be
themes in Billy Graham's ministry. As recently as
1999, Graham met with three Iraqi religious leaders
to discuss that country's dire situation due to United
Nations-imposed economic sanctions. Following a
UNICEF report indicating that thousands of children
had died because of a lack of food and medicine,
Graham told the delegation visiting him that the
differences between Christianity and Islam are great,
but everyone can agree "that God wants us to have
compassion on those who are suffering, and to do
what we can to help."
In
a San Francisco crusade, Graham again found ways
to reach out to people drastically different from himself.
In a city where 4 percent of the people attend church,
and which is known for its large homosexual community,
Graham attracted attendees with Internet ads that read,
"50,000 sinners in one place and you don't think you'll
have fun?"
Dealing
with sexuality, Graham showed the city he was
no prude. While calling homosexuality a sin, Graham
stressed that the greatest sin is idolatry, not
homosexuality. He also admitted to suffering from
sexual temptation, "so much so that I did not think I
could hold on." However, Graham said, "the first time
I ever had sex was the first night of my marriage."
The audience applauded, and Graham said, "And I
can tell you one thing. It was worth it."
Graham
was also known for participating in the youth
movements of the '40s, '60s, and '70s.
The primacy of the gospel
For
Graham, what unifies Christians and even non-
Christians is the gospel of Jesus. In a Christianity
Today article discussing issues facing Christians in
the third millennium, Graham wrote, "In spite of
the difficulties, the twenty-first century could mark
the greatest evangelistic advance in the history of
the Christian church. In order for this to happen,
however, the church (in all of its diversity) must
embrace the challenges it faces and must mobilize
every possible spiritual and physical resource to
declare the gospel that has been committed to us."
One
of those challenges is re-evangelizing Eastern
Europe, freed from communism. It is "one of the greatest
openings for the gospel in the history of the church,
" Graham said. But, he stressed, "Those from outside,
however, must learn to temper their enthusiasm with
prayer, strategic thinking, cultural sensitivity, and
willingness to work as partners with those who are
already there."
"The
gospel is relevant to every individual in every
culture," Graham wrote. That is why Christians can
be united and culturally sensitive. In a Christianity
Today editorial, Graham wrote, "We also must learn
in a deeper way what it means to love within the body
of Christ, even when there is not full agreement. Satan
surely must rejoice when there is bickering and strife
among fellow believers. Overcoming disunity may
well be one of our greatest challenges in the years ahead."
A
review of Graham's autobiography, Just as I Am, sums
up his approach to the many issues that divide Christians.
"Billy studiously disregards many doctrines that divide
Christendom and majors on what unites—Jesus Christ and
the salvation he offers."
Distinguished Communications Medal, Southern
Baptist Radio and Television Commission, 1977
(no info as yet on the subject)
Jabotinsky Centennial Medal presented by The
Jabotinsky Foundation, 1980
(no info as yet on the subject)
Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame award, 1981
(no
info as yet on the subject)
Templeton Foundation Prize for Progress in
Religion award, 1982
The
John Templeton Foundation was established in 1987
by renowned international investor, Sir John Templeton,
to encourage a fresh appreciation of the critical importance
— for all peoples and cultures — of the moral and spiritual
dimensions of life. The Templeton Foundation seeks to act
as a critical catalyst for progress, especially by supporting
studies which demonstrate the benefits of an open, humble
and progressive approach to learning in these areas. It is the Foundation's
purpose to stimulate a high standard of
excellence in scholarly understanding which can serve to
encourage further worldwide explorations of the moral
and spiritual dimensions of the Universe and of the human
potential within its ultimate purpose.
Nomination Procedure
The
Templeton Prize is awarded annually by an
international, multifaith panel of judges to a living
person of any religious tradition who has made a
unique contribution to progress in research or
discoveries about spiritual realities. A detailed
description of the Prize's purpose, history, and
selection procedures can be found in the
Templeton Prize brochure.
Previous Prize Winners
Rev. Dr. Billy Graham (1982)
When
the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham took his message of
Christianity into the electronic world of radio and
television, he invigorated an entire generation with
a simple, yet poignant message of salvation. During
his rise as media celebrity, however, he maintained
a dignity that continues to draw enormous audiences
and enthusiastic support with an interpretation of the
Gospel that speaks to the problems and pressures of today.
John M. Templeton a mason ?
Articles by John M. Templeton on freemasonry
COLLEGES
THAT ENCOURAGE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
By:JOHN M. TEMPLETON JR, M.D. President John Templeton
Foundation
"ORANGEMEN
The
stated object of this organization was to preserve the
supremacy of the Crown and Protestantism. Founded in
1795 by Thomas Wilson, a Freemason; composed of one
grade. John Templeton, in 1796, introduced the Purple
Degree and later the Markman's Grade and the Heroine of
Jericho were added. Not a Masonic Body though somewhat
connected, evidently, with Freemasonry during that early
period (see Orangeism in Ireland and Throughout the
Empire, R. M. Sibbett, Belfast)."
REV. BILLY GRAHAM
Awarded by President Ronald Reagan February 23, 1983
Presidential
Medal of Freedom, the nation's
highest civilian award,1983
Click
the link to view the page
The
Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the two
highest civilian awards in the United States, considered
the equivalent of the Congressional Gold Medal of
Honor. It is designed to recognize individuals who
have made "an especially meritorious contribution
to the security or national interests of the United
States, world peace, cultural or other significant
public or private endeavors."
"Reverend
William "Billy" Graham's untiring evangelism
has spread the word of God to every corner of the globe,
and made him one of the most inspirational spiritual
leaders of the Twentieth Century. As a deeply committed
Christian, his challenge to accept Jesus Christ has lifted
the hearts, assuaged the sorrows and renewed the hopes
of millions. Billy Graham is an American who lives first
and always for his fellow citizens. In honoring him, we
give thanks for God's greatest spiritual gifts—faith, hope,
and love."
National
Religious Broadcasters Award of Merit, 1986
National
Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is an American
organization that represents Christian religious broadcasters
on American television and radio, including several high-
profile televangelists and Christian radio show hosts.
It claims a membership of more than 1700 organizations.
It is headquarted in Manassas, Virginia.
North Carolina Award in Public Service, 1986
North
Carolina Award is the highest civilian award
bestowed by the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is
awarded in the four fields of science, literature, the
fine arts, and public service.
Sometimes
referred to as the "Nobel Prize of North
Carolina", has been given to up to 6 individuals each
year since 1964. The awards, provided for by chapters
140A and 143B of the North Carolina General Statutes,
are chosen by the North Carolina Awards Committee
appointed by the Governor of North Carolina and
supervised by the North Carolina Secretary of Cultural
Resources.
The
award itself was designed by sculptor Paul Manship
and was one of the last commissions he completed before
his death.
Billy Graham (1918 -) Public Service 1986
Please
note: The biography and photograph are from the commemorative program for
the 1986 North Carolina
Awards ceremony.
The
Reverend Billy Graham receives a special 1986
North Carolina Award in Public Service. A worldwide
symbol of evangelism, he has preached in person to
over one hundred and six million people, more than
anyone else in history. Hundreds of millions more
have heard him through television, radio, print, and
film, in every corner of the globe. Truly he can be
called a "citizen of the world."
Born
and raised near Charlotte, he became a committed
Christian while in his teens. Ordained by the Southern
Baptist Convention in 1940, Graham studied scripture at
Flordia Bible Institute (now Trinity College). In 1943 he
graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois,
and married fellow student Ruth McCue Bell, daughter
of a missionary surgeon in China.
A
charter Vice-President of Youth for Christ International
in 1945, Graham began preaching in the post-war years to
audiences all over America. It was during a tent crusade in
downtown Los Angeles in 1949 that he and his evangelistic
team were launched into worldwide promience. Originally
scheduled for three weeks, overflow crowds came to the
meetings each night for over two months. Subsequent
crusades, both in the United States and overseas, witnessed
similar enthusiasm. In 1957 a Graham crusade ran
consecutively for sixteen weeks in New York City's
Madison Square Garden.
In
1950 Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
His weekly "Hour of Decision" radio program, begun that
same year, is now broadcast by more than seven hundred
stations around the world. He appears regularly on prime-
time television specials seen throughout the United States
and Canada. Some two hundred newspapers carry his daily
column, "My Answer", with a combined readership of
twenty-nine million. "Decision," the official magazine of the
Association, is now printed in ten editions and six languages.
Of
his thirteen books, World Aflame (1965) and Approaching
Hoofbeats: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1983),
were both included for several weeks on The New York Times
Best Seller list. Other volumes include Angels: God's Secret
Agents (1975), which sold one million copies within ninety
days after publication, and To Be Born Again (1977), which
had the largest first printing in publishing history.
Graham's
appeal in both secular and religious spheres is
evidenced by the wide range of groups that have honored
him. These recognitions, including numerous honorary
doctorates, range from the Presidential Medal of Freedom
to the Templeton Foundation Prize for Progress in Religion.
He is listed regularly by the Gallup Organization as one of
the "Ten Most Admired Men in the World", appearing in
that poll twenty-six times in the last twentyseven years.
Spanning
forty years, Billy Graham's ministry is perhaps
at its pinnacle. His crusades have been held in every state
in the United States and in more than sixty-three countries,
including those of the Eastern Bloc.
The
Reverend and Mrs. Graham have three daughters
and two sons, and reside near Montreat in the North
Carolina mountains.
Good Housekeeping Most Admired Men Poll,
1997, 1 for five years in a row and 16th time in
top 10
(no info as yet on the subject)
Congressional Gold Medal, highest honor
Congress can bestow on a private citizen, 1996
About the award
Awards Bestowed by the US Government
Published February 15, 2006 by Stephanie Caulley
The
United States Government honors hundreds of
individuals each year with certificates and medals. Each
branch and agency has its own, some better known than
others. The Congress is no different. It has four awards
that it bestows: the Congressional Gold Medal, the
Congressional Award Program, the Medal of Merit,
and the U.S. Senate Productivity Award. You may be
surprised not to see the popularly known Congressional
Medal of Honor. This is because, it is not a Congressional
medal at all; it is a military medal, given by the President
in the name of the Congress. Each of these medals and
awards are discretionary, depending on either the
members of Congress themselves or the will and desires
of the program enrollees themselves.
Congressional Gold Medal Recipients
Rev. Billy Graham and Ruth Graham
1996 Ruth Graham
Ruth Graham
was the daughter of missionaries to China.
She grew up in China, in danger and hard times. She
married Billy Graham, a minister who wrote books and
spoke to people around the world. Ruth has written
several books of poems and books that help people to
be better people.
This medal
was given to Ruth and Billy Graham for their
"outstanding and lasting contributions to morality, racial
equality, family, philanthropy, and religion."
Rev. Billy
and Ruth Graham have been the driving force
to create the Ruth and Billy Graham Childrens Health
Center at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, North
Carolina. Their vision is for the hospital to improve the
health and well-being of children. The Congressional
Gold Medal was awarded in recognition of their
outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith,
morality, and charity. Speaker Newt Gingrich and
Senator Strom Thurmond presented the gold medal
to Rev. Billy and Ruth Graham on May 2, 1996, on
Capitol Hill.
The obverse
of the medal features profile portraits of
Billy and Ruth Graham. The inscription, THE REV. BILLY
& RUTH GRAHAM, is centered along the lower border of
the design. The reverse features a three-quarter view of
The Ruth and Billy Graham Childrens Health Center
Asheville, North Carolina. The bottom of the design
bears the inscription By Act of Congress 1996.
Design:
T. James Ferrell Authorizing Legislation: Public
Law 104-111, approved February 13, 1996 Place Minted:
Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
On Thursday
2nd of May 1996 Billy Graham and his wife
Ruth received the Congressional Gold Medal - the highest
honor which Congress can bestow upon a citizen - in the
Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C.
To
most people this is just another award that the Graham's
are deserving of, but upon research of the characters in the
photographs shown below reveals that some men
present are 33 Degree Freemasons. ( present below
in the photo are House Speaker Newt Gingrich,
Vice President Al Gore, Senator Storm Thurmond,
Bob Dole, Senator Jesse Helms and Franklin Graham)
House
speaker Newt Gingrich, host for the event,
called Mr. Graham, "one of the great civic leaders
of the 20th Century", who together with his wife
have "given up their lives as a model for serving
humanity, and stand as role models for generations
to come. By receiving this medal, you join about as
exalted a group of citizens as we have in this
country, and you frankly honor us by being here
to receive it."
In
his remarks, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole said, "When
the idea of awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr Graham
was first raised, it received something rare in this building -
unanimous approval. So too, did the idea of honoring Ruth
Graham, Billy's remarkable partner of 53 years and a
distinguished communicator of God's power and peace in
her own right. There has never been a time when Mr.
Graham's voice and his message are more relevant,
" Senator Dole continued. "Billy, I can't even remember
disagreeing with you, but I know I speak for millions
around the world in saying that no-one will ever
preach the Word of God better then you, and no-one
will preach it with a better partner at his side than Ruth."
Graham To Get Congressional Medal?
U.S.
Rep. Charles Taylor of North Carolina introduced
legislation in November to honor Rev. Billy Graham and
his wife Ruth with the Congressional Gold medal, one of
the nation's most distinguished recognitions.
The
medal has been awarded fewer than one hundred times
in the past 200 years, and is reserved for those who have
"performed an achievement that has an impact on American
history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major
achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement.
" George Washington received the first Gold Medal. Other
recipients: Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers and Winston
Churchill.
"There
exists no greater public servants in our nation, or
indeed the world, than the Rev. and Mrs. Graham," gushed
Taylor, who added that they "represented the mainstream
of American Christianity."
The
legislation calls for awarding the medal on behalf of
"their lasting contributions toward improvements in
racial equality, morality and philanthropy."
The
U.S. Treasury would strike 10,000 replicas of the
Graham medal in bronze to sell to the public.
Inducted into
the Gospel Music Hall of Fame by
the Gospel Music Association --the first non-
musician to be inducted, 1999
Click
here to view the link
GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame
Graham, Billy
He
has said, “I have never wanted to be a preacher,” and
yet Billy Graham has preached the gospel to over 210
million people in more than 185 countries and territories.
His crusades continue to set attendance records. His
evangelistic association’s weekly Hour of Decision radio
program is broadcast by more that 900 stations around
the world. He’s written 18 books all of which have become
top sellers and been sold in 38 languages around the world.
His counsel has been sought by presidents and he’s been
ranked 39 times as one of the “Ten Most Admired Men in
the World” in the Gallup Poll . He’s received the Presidential
Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, and
the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest honor
Congress can bestow on a private citizen. Not bad for the
son of a North Carolina dairy farmer. But what’s that got to
do with Gospel Music? – Just ask Michael W. Smith, Amy
Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, dc Talk, Jars of Clay or any
of the other numerous Christian artists who have had the
honor of performing at the Billy Graham Crusade. His
organization has “opened it’s platform to our artists over
the years,” says current Gospel Music Association
President, Frank Breeden, and “as our most respected
preacher of the gospel, it is fitting to pay homage to what
he has given our artists in his history.” Not to mention
what he has given the rest of us.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Freedom
Award, for monumental and lasting contributions
to the cause of freedom, 2000
The Ronald Reagan Freedom Award
Click here to view link
Ronald
Reagan's greatest legacy to the world is freedom. His
strength of character and bedrock belief in right and wrong
ended the Cold War and his leadership unshackled the yoke
of tyranny for millions who have known only oppression.
Thus, it is fitting that the highest honor awarded by the
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation carries the name of
the 40th President of the United States. This prestigious
award is bestowed upon those who have made monumental
and lasting contributions to the cause of freedom. The Ronald
Reagan Presidential Freedom Award recognizes the courage
of an individual who has promoted freedom around the world.
Each year, the Foundation presents the Freedom Award to an individual who
embodies President Reagan's lifelong belief that
one man or woman truly can make a difference.
Past Reagan Presidential Freedom Award Recipients:
April 5, 2000
The
Reverend Billy Graham
Honorary Knight Commander of the order of
the British Empire (KBE) for his international
contribution to civic and religious life over 60
years, 2001
(no info as yet on the subject)
Many honorary degrees
(no
info as yet on the subject)
for more info goto
http://www.billygraham.org/mediaRelations/bios.asp?p=2
http://www.congressionalgoldmedal.com/BillyRuthGraham.htm
http://www.horatioalger.com/members/member_info.cfm
?memberid=gra65
