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Congressional Gold Medal Recipients
Entertainers
CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL
President Ronald and Nancy Reagan
since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Each medal honors a particular individual, institution, or event. Although the first recipients included citizens who participated in the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, Congress broadened the scope of the medal to include actors, authors, entertainers, musicians, pioneers in aeronautical and space, explorers, lifesavers, notables in science and medicine, athletes, humanitarians, public servants, and foreign recipients.
The first entertainer to be voted the award was Irving Berlin on July 16, 1954. Poet Robert Frost was elected into membership on September 13, 1960 followed by Bob Hope on June 8, 1962. Walt Disney joined the group on May 24, 1968. John Wayne was voted into the club on May 26, 1979. Fred Waring and Louis L'Amour were honored on August 26, 1982. Danny Thomas was entered on November 29, 1983. George and Ira Gershwin were inducted on August 9, 1985. Harry Chapin was next on May 20, 1986 followed by Aaron Copeland September 23, 1986. Andrew Wyeth Nov 9, 1988. Frank Sinatra got the nod on May 14, 1997.
Marian Anderson, the only woman in entertainment field to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal
Charles Schulz won the vote on June 20, 2000. On June 7, 2001, family members of Charles M. Schulz accepted a Congressional Gold Medal presented by Senators Strom Thurmond and Robert Byrd for Schulz's lasting artistic contributions. Ronald and Nancy Reagan were voted the award on July 27, 2000 and on May 15, 2002 Nancy Reagan accepted the medal.
In case you missed it, when it comes to the field of actors, authors, entertainers, and musicians only one woman has been honored - Marian Anderson voted in on March 8, 1977. The fact that Nancy Reagan started out as an actress doesn't count. Surely American folk artist Grandma Moses crosses party lines. Just how political or sexist is this award?
One of only five songwriters to receive the Special
Congressional Gold Medal for his devotion to the issue of hunger throughout the world, Harry Chapins 55th birth anniversary is celebrated on 7 December (1942).
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