Muhammad Ali, Liberty Medal recipient, passes away at 74

Boxing legend and humanitarian Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74 in Arizona. Ali was awarded the Liberty Medal in September 2012 to a huge ovation in front of Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center.

Ali was selected to receive the prestigious award for being a “champion of freedom” who showed courage and conviction in his efforts to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe.

The three-time heavyweight champion appeared in an outside ceremony on the mall that overlooks Independence Hall.

His wife, Lonnie, spoke on his behalf.

“All he did was stand up for what he believed. Simply stated and yes, for many of the things that he stood up for--and continues to stand up for today--it took, dedication, conviction and confidence,” said Lonnie Ali. “These are the values that gave him the inner strength to stand up for what he believed. Many agreed with him… many more did not.”

While Ali was one of the world’s most famous athletes, he was also known as a world-class humanitarian and a champion of liberty. Ali's work as an ambassador for peace began in 1985, when Ali flew to Lebanon to secure the release of four hostages. Ali also made goodwill missions to Afghanistan and North Korea; delivered medical aid to Cuba; traveled to Iraq to secure the release of 15 United States hostages during the first Gulf War; and journeyed to South Africa to meet another Liberty Medal winner, Nelson Mandela, upon his release from prison. Ali also was involved in efforts to free the American hikers held captive in Iran.

Ali was the 24th recipient of the medal at the time. Previous winners include many of the men, women, and organizations that have shaped and guided the world through the past two decades, including Mandela, Sandra Day O’Connor, Kofi Annan, Shimon Peres, and Colin Powell.