Honor Norman Corwin with The Presidential Medal of Freedom

Sign the Petition : 152 Letters and Emails Sent So Far

Dear Mr. President:

Norman Lewis Corwin is a national treasure whose contributions to our nation have long been cherished by millions of fans. Mr. Corwin will become a centenarian on May 3, 2010. This gives you, Mr. President, a unique opportunity to award The Presidential Medal of Freedom to a man that inspired this nation with his legendary radio programs before, during and after World War II. He never failed to give his listeners a greater appreciation of the liberties and rights afforded to all Americans.

Mr. Corwin’s December 15, 1941 four-network broadcast celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Bill of Rights, “We Hold These Truths,” was heard by Sixty-Three Million Americans—half of U.S. population at that time. Fifty years later, Mr. Corwin wrote an updated version for the 200th Anniversary in 1991, expanding the program for a new generation via National Public Radio.

When Nazi Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945, V-E Day, millions of Americans turned to the Poet Laureate of Radio to hear what has been called the single greatest radio broadcast of the 20th Century: Norman Corwin’s “On A Note Of Triumph.” The show was so appreciated that a repeat performance was given on May 13, 1945.

On August 14, 1945, V-J Day, the nation once again turned to Mr. Corwin and once again he delivered: “14 August.” The show would be expanded and rebroadcast as a Day of Prayer Special on August 19, 1945 as “God and Uranium.” Again, Mr. Corwin revisited this program a half-century later with “50 Years After 14 August” in 1995 in order to educate a new generation about The Greatest Generation.

Sadly, this great American’s career suffered at the hands of McCarthyism and the Red Scare. Never a communist or socialist, Mr. Corwin nevertheless paid a price for his fierce defense of the principles of freedom and equality for all Americans. As Mr. Corwin wrote at the conclusion of “On A Note Of Triumph,” “Brotherhood is not so wild a dream as those who profit by postponing it pretend.”

We urge you to consider this award in the event that Congress is unable to act upon a separate request to award Mr. Corwin The Congressional Gold Medal as a way to give the thanks of a grateful nation to a great American Icon.		Honor Norman Corwin with The Presidential Medal of Freedom

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People signing the "Honor Norman Corwin with The Presidential Medal of Freedom" petition!

  1. Wed., Feb. 17, 2010 12:21 PM    link Jim L. | Santa Barbara, CA

    An honor long overdue for an honorable life.

  2. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

  3. Wed., Feb. 3, 2010 2:46 PM    link Ann C. | Tillson, NY

  4. Wed., Jan. 27, 2010 6:17 PM    link Melinda P. | Beverly Hills, CA

    Mr. Corwin speakes to the true essence of the American Spirit.

  5. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

  6. Sat., Jan. 23, 2010 8:57 PM    link Jed G. | Green Bay, WI

  7. Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 8:31 PM    link Bryan D. | Bloomington, IN

  8. Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 2:45 PM    link John W. | Bloomington, IN

  9. Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 2:43 PM    link John W. | Bloomington, IN

  10. Mon., Jan. 4, 2010 4:29 PM    link Cindy B. | Bloomington, IN

  11. Mon., Jan. 4, 2010 9:30 AM    link Tony B. | Bloomington, IN

  12. Sun., Jan. 3, 2010 11:16 PM    link Richard F. | Bloomington, IN

    Norman Corwin is one of the 20th Century's greatest writers, and one of America's most effective voices. He published his latest book in 2009, and two new radio scripts are in preparation. His work, and his championship of liberty and equality, are timeless.

  13. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

  14. Sun., Jan. 3, 2010 5:21 PM    link Name not displayed | Los Angeles, CA

  15. Sat., Jan. 2, 2010 12:21 AM    link Name not displayed | Sound Beach, NY

  16. Thu., Dec. 17, 2009 4:41 PM    link DONALD F. | Fullerton, CA

    His words blaze a trail to the heart of humaanity,and expose the bankruptcy of incivility and hypocrisy.It is past time to honor this lion.

  17. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

  18. Thu., Dec. 17, 2009 2:36 PM    link Myla L. | Fullerton, CA

    Norman Corwin is a national treasure and should be honored by our nation for the enriching body of work he has created. He has been a mentor and teacher to some of our leading writers.

  19. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

  20. Tue., Dec. 15, 2009 4:02 PM    link Gail D. | Port Chester, NY

  21. Mon., Nov. 30, 2009 12:24 PM    link Loretta W. | Las Vegas, NV

  22. Mon., Nov. 23, 2009 4:18 PM    link Nancy R. | Los Angeles, CA

  23. Sun., Nov. 15, 2009 8:25 PM    link Cheryl M. | Chicago, IL

  24. Sun., Nov. 15, 2009 8:20 PM    link Cheryl M. | Chicago, IL

  25. Sat., Nov. 14, 2009 8:19 PM    link Patrice M. | Berkeley, CA

    Anyone hearing "On a Note of Triumph" or any of his many patriotic and humanistic works, even over half a century later cannot help but be moved by the words of this great American.

  26. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

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