Beyond the Boxer: Ali and the Humanitarian Within
2005
On November 9, 2005 Muhammad Ali received what is often considered the highest civilian award in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ali's award was given to him by President George W. Bush in the White House East Room in Washington, D.C.
The citation from the ceremony read, "One of the greatest athletes of all time, Muhammad Ali, produced some of America's most lasting sports memories, from winning the gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics to carrying the Olymic torch at the 1996 Summer Olympics. As the first three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, he thrilled, entertained and inspired us. His deep commitment to equal justice and peace has touched people around the world. The United States honors Muhammad Ali for his lifetime of achievement and his principled service to mankind."
