Juliet Low awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

Girl Scouts Founder Awarded Highest Honor The White House announced last week that President Obama is posthumously awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, recognizes individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." "Juliette Gordon Low was a visionary, whose legacy lives on in the 59 million American women who have been part of Girl Scouting at some point in their lives," said Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. "She believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally and spiritually, and in founding the Girl Scouts in 1912, she made an indelible and enduring contribution to the lives of girls and to our nation. It is so fitting that on our 100th anniversary, she should be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom."   Along with Juliette Gordon Low, Madeleine Albright, John Glenn, Toni Morrison, John Paul Stevens, Pat Summitt, Shimon Peres, Bob Dylan, William Foege, Jan Karski, Dolores Huerta, Gordon Hirabayashi and John Doar will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.   "These extraordinary honorees come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, but each of them has made a lasting contribution to the life of our Nation," said President Obama. "They've challenged us, they've inspired us, and they've made the world a better place. I look forward to recognizing them with this award."