Al Simpson to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Written by Andrew-Rossi on June 30, 2022
President Joe Biden has announced he will award the first Presidential Medal of Freedom of his presidency to former U.S. senator and lifelong Cody resident Al Simpson.
First created by President J.F. Kennedy in 1963, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to civilians who are considered to have made “especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
Al Simpson served as a Wyoming senator for 18 years. He knew and worked with President Biden during his 36 years as a senator from Delaware.
President Biden himself was awarded the medal at the end of President Barak Obama’s presidency in 2017. Simpson is the first person to receive the award from Bidenduring his presidency.
Simpson’s lifelong friend Norm Mineta received the same honor in 2006 from President George W. Bush.
The Cowboy State Daily reports Simpson is extremely honored to receive the award.
“It’s a very powerful and moving thing for me,” he said. “It’s something that’s cherished.”
Simpson will be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden at a ceremony in the White House on July 7.
He will be accompanied by seven guests, including his wife, Ann Simpson.
