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Trump's Remarks at the Presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun; July 24, 2020
I'd say the groveling is extraordinary, but no, it isn't anymore.
REMARKS
Remarks by President Trump at the Presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun
Issued on: July 24, 2020
Blue Room
11:24 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much. Please. Let’s enjoy ourselves. This is a tremendous moment for Jim and your family, and let’s just enjoy ourselves for a little while. We’ll ask Jim to say a few words. I want to hear what he has to say about his great talent, his great running ability. I find athletics to be extraordinary. I love it.
Thank you for being here. And today, it is my privilege to present our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to a legendary athlete and a legendary runner, Olympian, and true American patriot: former Congressman Jim Ryun. Jim, congratulations. Fantastic. (Applause.)
We’re joined today by Jim’s wife Anne — thank you, Anne, very much; congratulations — and various family members. But his son –- where is Ned? Ned, thank you very much. Catharine, thank you very much. And I’m going to ask you to come up and say a few words — the both you — so you better be prepared. (Laughter.) You got a lot of news back there. See? I’m being nice today. I don’t use the other word in front the word “news.”
{snip}
MR. RYUN: Mr. President, I learned a long time ago, when you have such great introduction — thank you for the comments — and you have your children saying wonderful things, it’s probably a good idea to find the exit while you’re ahead. (Laughter.) So I — and I am considering that. However, I want to make some few remarks.
{snip}
In a day and age when many think it’s appropriate to dishonor our flag, I will tell you it is one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life to represent this amazing country and to wear the stars and stripes on my chest while racing in the ’60s and ’70s. There was such pride and love of country. And I cannot tell you, Mr. President, how much I appreciate your full-throated championing of this great country. (Applause.)
The accolades in my life have exceeded anything I could have imagined. And now, Mr. President, with the Medal of Freedom bestowed on me by truly one of the greatest Republican Presidents is such a great honor. Mr. President, you have big dreams for America — ones that echo, for me, my old coach — and still a dream — what could be and in pursuit of everything you have.
Your dream of keeping America and the American Republic great and then making her greater is an epic and noble pursuit. My wife Anne; our daughter Catharine; our son Ned and Becca; and our four grandchildren; along with our dear friends present today join you in the pursuit of helping make this a reality.
{snip}
Mr. President, thank you for your loving and serving this great republican country. May God continue to bless you and your family with his peace. Thank you again for this great honor.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much.
MR. RYUN: You’re very welcome. (Applause.)
MILITARY AIDE: Jim Ryun is a world class athlete and a highly respected former member of Congress. As one of the best middle-distance runners of all time, he’s the last American to hold the world record in the mile run. He proudly represented the United States in the 1968 Summer Olympics, earning a silver medal in the 1500-meter race.
Following his success on the track, Mr. Ryun channeled his patriotism into a noble career in public service, representing the second congressional district of Kansas for more than a decade, distinguishing himself as a principled conservative. The United States proudly recognizes Jim Ryun for his meritorious contributions to our nation.
(The Medal of Freedom is presented.) (Applause.)
END 11:43 A.M. EDT
Remarks by President Trump at the Presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun
Issued on: July 24, 2020
Blue Room
11:24 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much. Please. Let’s enjoy ourselves. This is a tremendous moment for Jim and your family, and let’s just enjoy ourselves for a little while. We’ll ask Jim to say a few words. I want to hear what he has to say about his great talent, his great running ability. I find athletics to be extraordinary. I love it.
Thank you for being here. And today, it is my privilege to present our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to a legendary athlete and a legendary runner, Olympian, and true American patriot: former Congressman Jim Ryun. Jim, congratulations. Fantastic. (Applause.)
We’re joined today by Jim’s wife Anne — thank you, Anne, very much; congratulations — and various family members. But his son –- where is Ned? Ned, thank you very much. Catharine, thank you very much. And I’m going to ask you to come up and say a few words — the both you — so you better be prepared. (Laughter.) You got a lot of news back there. See? I’m being nice today. I don’t use the other word in front the word “news.”
{snip}
MR. RYUN: Mr. President, I learned a long time ago, when you have such great introduction — thank you for the comments — and you have your children saying wonderful things, it’s probably a good idea to find the exit while you’re ahead. (Laughter.) So I — and I am considering that. However, I want to make some few remarks.
{snip}
In a day and age when many think it’s appropriate to dishonor our flag, I will tell you it is one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life to represent this amazing country and to wear the stars and stripes on my chest while racing in the ’60s and ’70s. There was such pride and love of country. And I cannot tell you, Mr. President, how much I appreciate your full-throated championing of this great country. (Applause.)
The accolades in my life have exceeded anything I could have imagined. And now, Mr. President, with the Medal of Freedom bestowed on me by truly one of the greatest Republican Presidents is such a great honor. Mr. President, you have big dreams for America — ones that echo, for me, my old coach — and still a dream — what could be and in pursuit of everything you have.
Your dream of keeping America and the American Republic great and then making her greater is an epic and noble pursuit. My wife Anne; our daughter Catharine; our son Ned and Becca; and our four grandchildren; along with our dear friends present today join you in the pursuit of helping make this a reality.
{snip}
Mr. President, thank you for your loving and serving this great republican country. May God continue to bless you and your family with his peace. Thank you again for this great honor.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much.
MR. RYUN: You’re very welcome. (Applause.)
MILITARY AIDE: Jim Ryun is a world class athlete and a highly respected former member of Congress. As one of the best middle-distance runners of all time, he’s the last American to hold the world record in the mile run. He proudly represented the United States in the 1968 Summer Olympics, earning a silver medal in the 1500-meter race.
Following his success on the track, Mr. Ryun channeled his patriotism into a noble career in public service, representing the second congressional district of Kansas for more than a decade, distinguishing himself as a principled conservative. The United States proudly recognizes Jim Ryun for his meritorious contributions to our nation.
(The Medal of Freedom is presented.) (Applause.)
END 11:43 A.M. EDT
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