Smithsonian Honors Brokaw With ‘Great Americans’ Medal (photos)
By • September 25, 2017 0 1106
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History presented its “Great Americans” medal to legendary television journalist and noted author Thomas J. Brokaw on Sept. 21, 2017, in Washington, D.C. During the event, Brokaw donated a West Point presentation saber and two pieces of the Berlin Wall, representing his career of more than five decades.
The ceremony included a conversation between Brokaw and David M. Rubenstein, a member of the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents, and the presentation of a newly minted museum medal in recognition of lifetime contributions embodying American ideals and ideas.
The medal, struck in 1.85 ounces of fine gold, features an American eagle with rays of the sun on the obverse with the words “Great Americans” and “National Museum of American History” struck around the image. The reverse side honors one of the museum’s most important treasures, the Star-Spangled Banner, and includes the mission of the Smithsonian: “For the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”
The “Great Americans” award is presented annually to up to four recipients and includes an interview with the awardee moderated by Rubenstein and the opportunity for the museum to add objects to the national collections. Prior recipients were former Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Madeleine Albright.
The National Museum of American History is located on Constitution Avenue NW between 12th and 14th Streets on the National Mall. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily except Dec. 25. Admission is free.
View Jeff Malet’s photos of the Sept. 21 ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History by clicking on the photo icons below.
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- The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History presented its “Great Americans” medal to legendary television journalist and noted author Thomas J. Brokaw (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- An original Lewis and Clark Expedition Pocket Compass is on display (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- The medal, struck in 1.85 ounces of fine gold, features an American eagle with rays of the sun on the obverse with the words “Great Americans” and “National Museum of American History” struck around the image. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- France Cordova, the director of the National Science Foundation, speaks to philantropist David M. Rubinstein at a reception prior to the ceremony. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Former Senator John Warner and his wife Jeanne Vander Myde Warner are in attendance. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- National Museum of American History Director John Gray served as master of ceremonies. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- A short film summarizing the career of Tom Brokaw preceded the award. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Former U.S. Senator John Warner and Andrea Mitchell of NBC News were among those in attendance (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Tom Brokaw (left) in conversation with philanthropist David M. Rubenstein. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Tom Brokaw (left) in conversation with philanthropist David M. Rubenstein. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Tom Brokaw (left) in conversation with philanthropist David M. Rubenstein. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Tom Brokaw (right) receives the “Great Americans” medal from David Rubinstein with National Museum of American History Director John Gray (left) looking on. Photo by Jeff Malet.
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- The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History presented its “Great Americans” medal to legendary television journalist and noted author Thomas J. Brokaw (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History presented its “Great Americans” medal to legendary television journalist and noted author Thomas J. Brokaw (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Tom Brokaw (center) receives a copy of a Lewis and Clark pocket compass from David Rubinstein (right) and National Museum of American History Director John Gray (left). (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Tom Brokaw (left) reaches out to John Gray, Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History after the museum presented hin with its “Great Americans” medal (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Tom Brokaw donated this West Point presentation saber and two pieces of the Berlin Wall to the Smithsonian as representative of his more than five-decade career. The items are carried by curators Kathleen Golden, and David D. Miller III of the National Museum of American History Division of Armed Forces History. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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