COX Newspapers Washington Bureau

Home > Window on Washington > Archives > 2007 > November > 05

Monday, November 5, 2007

Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” receives the Presidential Medal of Honor

By Ken Herman | Monday, November 5, 2007, 04:37 PM

Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” made a rare public appearance today when she showed up at the White House to receive the Presidential Medal of Honor.

The Adobe Flash Player is required to view the Media Player. Get it here.


Here’s the citation accompanying the medal:

“Harper Lee’s beautiful book is a meditation on family, human complexity, and some of the great themes of American life. At a critical moment in our history, To Kill a Mockingbird helped focus the nation on the turbulent struggle for equality. The novel became an instant American classic and earned her a Pulitzer Prize. Nearly half a century after its publication, her work continues to captivate new readers who encounter its compelling power for the first time. The United States honors Harper Lee for her outstanding contribution to the great literary tradition of America.”

Permalink | |