Remarks by President Barack Obama at the Presentation of the National Humanities Medal and National Medal of the Arts, 2010

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Remarks by President Barack Obama at the Presentation of the National Humanities Medal and National Medal of the Arts, 2010

Date

February 25, 2010

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Contributor:

,

Landesman, Rocco

,

,

,

Stevens, George

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Obama, Michelle

Summary

This document is a transcript of remarks made by President Barack Obama at the White House on February 25, 2010. During the event, the National Humanities Medal and the National Medal of the Arts were presented to a group of distinguished individuals. President Obama acknowledges various guests, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the chairmen of the NEA and NEH. He emphasizes the profound importance of the arts and humanities in enriching the mind, nourishing the soul, and strengthening the character of the nation. Obama highlights how these pursuits foster understanding, preserve America's cultural legacy, and celebrate its dynamism and diversity. He references historical figures and celebrated artists, connecting their contributions to the broader American cultural inheritance. The President then names and offers brief citations for the 2009 National Humanities Medal recipients, including Elie Wiesel, Robert A. Caro, and Annette Gordon-Reed, and the 2009 National Medal of Arts recipients, such as Milton Glaser, Maya Lin, and John Williams, praising their significant impact on American culture and human rights. The remarks conclude with an expression of gratitude to all honorees for their contributions to citizens' lives.

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Washington, DC., USA

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EWG_1501_01_07-10

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