Norman Corwin is a genuine living legend whose accomplishments endure even as he does. It would be pity if the full impact of his achievements were not recognized until after his death.
My father had the honor of working at Norman Corwin's side for all of his most important radio broadcasts as his assistant, and I consider him a cherished friend. Norman is the most important living writer in America and his service to the United States and the citizens of the world deserve immediate recognition.
I am amazed that no one has yet awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Norman Corwin, but what better occasion than to recognize this great American in his 100th year!
I am proud to call such a legend, a friend. Mr. President, acknowledge this national treasure, this man who values the freedom of the flow of knowledge above all.
As Mr. Corwin loved the sound of words, I grew up loving the sound of his words as I stared at my radio as a youth enthralled by both his written and spoken words. What an American hero.
Though the skills demonstrated and freely offered by Mr. Corwin as a professor at San Diego State in 1977 may not have been completely absorbed into the thick skull of this pupil, he at the very least instilled a love of writing which has served me well as a professional broadcaster and journalist. Norman Corwin is an original and a national treasure whose teaching is just one facet of his brilliance. His talent, patriotism and genuine love for his fellow man deserve every possible honor and recognition.
Norman Corwin is one of our greatest voices championing the strengths of American democracy and its triumph over tyranny. His reasoned, thoughtful and passionately eloquent voice is particularly necessary in today's climate of hateful and divisive political rhetoric. Please give him the honor he deserves, and bring his work to the attention of a new generation of Americans who so greatly need him.
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.
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.
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.
An American hero, pure and simple: we do not have many men or many women who served the whole nation; Norman Corwin, however, is one man whose work mattered to every American for decades, especially during and after WW II. Honor Norman Corwin, please, for he deserves it.
Mr. Corwin's service to America before, during and after WWII surely place him at the pinnacle of the Greatest Generation. His writings continue to touch and inspire current generations, so let us honor him as he has never before been honored--with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And let us do it now while he can still savor the deed. Thank you.
For Norman's 95th birthday, I mounted the first full production of "On A Note of Triumph"--with Bernard Herrrmann's music--since it aired in May 1945. I'd be glad to stage it again in conjunction with the award.
Norman will be 100 years old in May, 2010 and I can't think of a more appropriate honor for the dean of radio drama and one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Broadcasters from Charles Kuralt to Walter Cronkite all were influenced by Corwin, not to mention Studs Terkel, Norman Lear and so many others. He is an American institution and the honor is long overdue.
Honor Norman Corwin with The Presidential Medal of Freedom
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