Carter and Reagan Awarded First U.S. Medals of Peace
Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan on Sunday were awarded the nation’s first Spark M. Matsunaga Medals of Peace for giving hope “to people throughout the world who suffered under tyranny.”
The award, created by Congress to honor Matsunaga, a senator from Hawaii who died in 1990 and was a proponent of peace education, carries a $25,000 stipend.
Carter and Reagan were selected by the board of directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace, a government institution created by Congress at Matsunaga’s suggestion to promote research, education and training on international peace and conflict resolution.
Congress instituted the award in 1990. The institute envisions it becoming an “American Nobel Prize.”
The institute cited Carter’s attempts to make human rights a cornerstone of American foreign policy, his role in concluding the Camp David accords and his efforts since leaving office as a mediator, election observer and promoter of peace.
It cited Reagan for promoting arms control agreements with the former Soviet Union and for encouraging changes in Soviet policies that contributed to peace.
“It is appropriate that the first Matsunaga medals go to these two former presidents who share a profound commitment to American leadership in peacemaking,” said Chester A. Crocker, chairman of the board. “Their presidencies gave hope to people throughout the world who suffered under tyranny.”
The winners were selected from nominations by the public.
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