Congressman Cleaver receives the Eisenhower Medallion

Statement

Last night, People to People International awarded Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II the Eisenhower Medallion to recognize Cleaver's contributions to greater understanding and tolerance, both at home and abroad, among differing people and nations. Previous recipients include: Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and last year's awardee, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

"To be mentioned in the same breathe as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and President Eisenhower is an extraordinarily humbling experience and the honor of a lifetime," said Congressman Cleaver. "I have always held the belief that, despite the differences in culture, there is much more that unites the people of the world than divides us. If we continue engaging and striving to find mutual understanding between the peoples and nations on this planet, I truly believe we can achieve the ultimate goal of peace of Earth."

People to People International was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and has been headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri since 1961. The organization's mission is to "enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural, and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among people of different countries and diverse cultures." The Eisenhower Medallion is the organization's highest honor.

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