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UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY RECEIVES NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER’S 2022 LIBERTY MEDAL
National Constitution Center presented its annual award to Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy receives the 2022 Liberty Medal in Kyiv from Senators Chris Coons and Rob Portman
Philadelphia, PA (November 7, 2022) –The National Constitution Center today bestowed its 34th annual Liberty Medal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his heroic defense of liberty in the face of Russian tyranny. The event was streamed live on the Center’s website, and can be viewed HERE.
In his acceptance speech, President Zelenskyy remarked, “This award really demonstrates how and what Ukrainian people are fighting for. Liberty is the main word for us and what really unites all Ukrainians.” “As in any democratic society, Ukrainians have different views on life and politics. And as the case was in previous years, we fell divided, arguing whether we would ever be able to stand together,” he continued. “But when Russia decided to destroy our freedom, and wipe Ukraine off the face of the earth, we immediately got united, and we keep this unit. All divisions are put aside, there is no place for political conflicts, because when there is a mortal threat to freedom, everything else is not important.”
“By telling the story of America’s struggle for equal rights, limited government, and the rule of law, we aspire to remind people across America and around the world that these liberties are hard-fought, hard-won, and urgently important to preserve, protect, and defend,” said Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center. “We gathered today to celebrate that courage, which we’re seeing every day in the Ukrainian people—men and women, soldiers and civilians—who are laying down their lives for the defense of liberty. And we’re here to celebrate the courage of the Ukrainian people’s democratically elected leader, President Zelenskyy.”
The Liberty Medal award is presented with a $100,000 prize. President Zelenskyy announced he plans to allocate the prize to the newly established Ukrainian Veteran Fund with the Ministry of Veteran Affairs of Ukraine.
Additional speakers at the Liberty Medal Ceremony included U.S. Senator Chris Coons, who traveled to Ukraine in the days prior to the Ceremony and presented President Zelenskyy with the Liberty Medal alongside U.S. Senator Rob Portman. Watch the presentation video HERE.
“President Zelenskyy represents the very best of the Ukrainian spirit, determination, strength, and resolve in the face of aggression,” Senator Coons said.
Journalist Jane Ferguson, special correspondent for PBS NewsHour, also spoke of her time reporting from Ukraine this year, noting the struggles and perseverance of the Ukrainian people. “[President Zelenskyy], and the citizens of Ukraine, knew something that the rest of the world did not: That the Russians could be beaten, not with overwhelming firepower or waves of troops, but with character, heart, and faith. They took what the world gave them, rummaged through what they already had, and pushed back the remnants of a once powerful army, showing the world that no empire can defeat millions of individual acts of people going about their daily lives and refusing to surrender.”
“Almost 250 years ago, a new country was born here in Philadelphia, a country of free and brave people who, for years, but especially for the last 257 days, have helped another nation to stand against an oppressive empire,” said Iryna Mazur, Honorary Consul to Ukraine in Philadelphia. “
Prepared remarks from author and Washington Post columnist George F. Will were delivered by Jeffrey Rosen, as well as an excerpt from a congratulatory letter from President Joseph R. Biden, a former Honorary Chairman of the National Constitution Center. The ceremony also featured a performance of the Ukrainian national anthem and the Star-Spangled Banner by the Ukrainian Children’s Choir Soloveiky.
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About the Liberty Medal
The Liberty Medal was established in 1988 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Given annually, the medal honors individuals and organizations of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. A full list of all past recipients is available here: constitutioncenter.org/liberty-medal/recipients. The Liberty Medal prize is sponsored by Ira Lubert and Pamela Estadt, who have supported the award for more than a decade. The Liberty Medal is also made possible by support from corporations, foundations, and individuals with proceeds going to further the work of the National Constitution Center.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
