Bill Clinton: “For Mardy Murie, wilderness is personal. She and her husband, Olaus, spent their honeymoon--listen to this--on a…”

“For Mardy Murie, wilderness is personal. She and her husband, Olaus, spent their honeymoon--listen to this--on a 550-mile dogsled expedition-- [laughter]--through the Brooks Mountain Range of Alaska--fitting for a couple whose love for each other was matched only by their love of nature. And they certainly must have known each other better after the trip was over. [Laughter] After her husband died, Mrs. Murie built on their five decades of work together. She became the prime mover in the creation of one of America's great national treasures, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and blazed trails for generations of conservationists. Today, amidst the fir and spruce of the high Tetons, she shares her wisdom with everyone who passes by, from ordinary hikers to the President and the First Lady, inspiring us all to conserve our pristine lands and preserve her glorious legacy. Commander, read the citation. [Lieutenant Commander Huey read the citation, and the President congratulated Mrs. Murie and presented the medal.]”