For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 27, 2003

National Humanities Medal Winners for 2003

Today the President and Mrs. Bush will present the National Humanities Medal to the following honorees. Citation texts are as follows:

NATIONAL HUMANITIES MEDAL WINNERS FOR 2003

Frankie Hewitt for establishing Ford's Theatre as a living monument to Abraham Lincoln. By balancing a deep respect for history with a dynamic commitment to the performing arts, she has performed a great service to the District of Columbia and to our Nation.

Iowa Writers' Workshop for serving as an incubator of literary talent and critical brilliance. Through changing times, the Workshop has upheld a standard of excellence in the study and creation of American literature.

Donald Kagan for his distinguished scholarship on the glories of ancient Greece. As a teacher and author, he has reminded generations of students and countless individuals of the vital legacy of classical civilization.

Brian Lamb for creating a powerful forum for the discussion of books, history, and our Nation's civic life. As an executive, a broadcaster, and a tireless reader, he is a champion of the public interests and the humanities.

Art Linkletter for a career encompassing almost 70 years, dozens of books, and countless broadcast moments. While entertaining millions, he has served diligently as an advocate of education, literacy, and the interests of children and the elderly.

Patricia MacLachlan for crafting treasures in children's literature. Her novels are vehicles for young readers to embark on life-changing explorations of history, family, and love.

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union for service as the guardians and interpreters of a sacred place in America's history. The Association has preserved George Washington's home as a shrine of democracy and a center of learning for generations of Americans.

Thomas Sowell for prolific scholarship melding history, economics, and political science. He has applied lessons from diverse times and places to the greatest challenges of our day.

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