Bill Clinton: “Sixty years ago, Gregory Peck abandoned pre-med studies for the sound stages of Hollywood. While he never practiced the…”

“Sixty years ago, Gregory Peck abandoned pre-med studies for the sound stages of Hollywood. While he never practiced the healing art, his performances have helped to heal some of our countries deepest wounds. For many, he will always be Atticus Finch, the Alabama lawyer whose brave stand for justice and against racism in ``To Kill a Mockingbird'' stirred the conscience of a nation. He won an Oscar for that role and would star in 55 films: ``Gentlemen's Agreement,'' ``Roman Holiday,'' ``The Guns of Navarone.'' He has been a tireless advocate for the arts, serving on the National Council on the Arts, as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Today, he tours America in a one-man show, sharing memories with fans who still consider him the handsomest man on Earth. It's a great honor for me to present this award as a genuine fan of Gregory Peck. [The President and the First Lady presented the medal and congratulated Mr. Peck.]”