House votes to honor WWII-era heroes
Golfer Jack Nicklaus, Israeli President Shimon Peres and the Monuments Men whose story was depicted in the recent George Clooney movie would be among the latest recipients of Congress’ highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, under legislation approved by the House.
A number of the measures that passed Monday seek to pay tribute to World War II-era groups such as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders before it’s too late. For example, of the approximately 350 men – and women – of the Monuments Men who worked to return Nazi-looted artworks to their owners, only six survive.
Robert Edsel, founder and president of the Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art, welcomed the action before Memorial Day. The measure is expected to go before the Senate later this week.
Other groups that would receive the medal under the legislation approved by the House:
The 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, a unit made up mainly of Puerto Ricans “in recognition of its pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and many acts of valor in the face of adversity.”
• The members of the “Doolittle Tokyo Raiders for outstanding heroism, valor, skill and service to the United States in conducting the bombings of Tokyo.” The Senate passed a companion bill last year.
• World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol.
• American Fighter Aces “in recognition of their heroic military service and defense of our country’s freedom throughout the history of aviation warfare.”
Nicklaus would be awarded the medal “in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence, good sportsmanship and philanthropy.”
Grandson sharpens prince’s focus
Prince Charles says the need for change to ensure the well-being of the planet has come into sharper focus for him since he became a grandfather last year.
The Prince of Wales listed a number of challenges facing the world from the widening gap between rich and poor to inequality for women and young girls to climate change after he was honored Tuesday as part a four-day trip with his wife, Camilla, to Canada.
Known for being outspoken on social and environmental issues, Charles spoke about the “nexus of water, energy and food security” as the world’s population grows and “finding common purpose in meeting our common needs.”
“I have longed tried to draw attention to this connection but it has come into even sharper focus now that I am a grandfather,” he added.
Grandson Prince George, the son of Prince William and his wife, Kate, was born last July.
The birthday bunch
Rhythm-and-blues singer Ron Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 73. Actor Richard Hatch is 69. Musician Bill Champlin is 67. Singer Leo Sayer is 66. Actress Carol Potter is 66. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., is 63. Actor Mr. T is 62. Actor Judge Reinhold is 57. Actor-director Nick Cassavetes is 55. Actress Sarah Ramos is 23.