Mineta Receives Top Civilian Honor
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta was honored Dec. 15 with a Presidential Medal of Freedom award, the nation's highest civilian honor.
The Medal recognizes high achievement in public service, science, the arts, education, athletics and other fields. Among those being honored at a White House ceremony were a British writer, a former Soviet dissident and an Israeli cabinet minister.
"Norman Y. Mineta personifies the terms, public servant and patriot," said President George W. Bush at the ceremony.
The former transportation secretary rose above prejudice and racial bigotry as a child living in the Heart Mountain internment camp to serve on the Cabinets of two U.S. presidents. His long record of public service includes being the first Asian Pacific American mayor of San Jose, Calif. and a 10-term congressman. He also served as President Bill Clinton's commerce secretary.
Mineta was appointed to the Secretary of Transportation post by Bush and became the longest serving person in the position.
"No Secretary of Transportation ever served longer, or confronted greater challenges, than Norm Mineta," said Bush.
During the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, Mineta led the effort to ground thousands of commercial and private aircraft swiftly and safely.
"Norm was calm and he was decisive in a moment of emergency. He showed those same qualities in the months and years afterward, ably transforming his department to face the dangers of a new era," added Bush.
Mineta is also an active JACL member and has been recognized for his service to the APA community with numerous honors from the JACL and other APA organizations.
"I have not known another public official who has been more unselfish in giving his time and showing his commitment to his Asian American heritage," said Floyd Mori, interim JACL national director. "The JACL is happy to offer congratulations to Norman Mineta as a very worthy recipient of this highest of honors."
President Harry Truman established the Medal of Freedom in 1945 to recognize civilians for their efforts during World War II. President John F. Kennedy later reinstated the award in 1963 to honor distinguished service.
"Norman Mineta has been the ultimate role model for Asian Americans in terms of service, character, and dedication to civil rights and justice. His path in life has been an inspiration to JACLers for many years," said JACL National President Larry Oda.
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