On the recordApril 27, 1999
On March 17, Senator George Mitchell received the Medal of Freedom at the White House. The day was picked especially because Irish Americans had gathered at the White House, but also Irish from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were in attendance. All together, with the President of the United States, we honored the extraordinary achievements of the United States Senate's former majority leader. Marcelle and I were in attendance with great pride in watching our friend, Senator Mitchell. We were honored also to be with his wife, Heather, and other members of his family. Having served with him, I know he is an extraordinarily capable, patient, and talented person. No one else could have done what he did. Senator Mitchell received a standing ovation for his words that evening--words that came from his heart and mind.
Source
govinfo.gov
