A report by Derrick Scott for Information Americas Now.
Caribbean immigrant, Dr. Sandra Lindsay, is amongst one in all 17 Individuals named by President Joe Biden to introduced with the Presidential Medal of Freedom subsequent week.
The Jamaican born crucial care nurse in New York, was the primary American to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine outdoors of scientific trials and is a distinguished advocate for vaccines and psychological well being for well being care staff.
Dr. Lindsay will obtain the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor introduced to people who’ve made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or safety of america, world peace, or different vital societal, public, or non-public endeavors, on the White Home on July 7, 2022.
In making the announcement, President Biden stated that America might be outlined by one phrase: potentialities. “These seventeen Individuals reveal the ability of potentialities and embody the soul of the nation – arduous work, perseverance, and religion,” he stated.
“They’ve overcome vital obstacles to realize spectacular accomplishments within the arts and sciences, devoted their lives to advocating for probably the most weak amongst us, and acted with bravery to drive change of their communities – and the world over – whereas blazing trails for generations to come back,” the President added.
Reacting to the announcement from the White Home, Jamaica’s Ambassador to america, Audrey Marks, who has been invited to the ceremony, congratulated Dr. Lindsay on behalf of the Authorities and folks of Jamaica as a member of the Diaspora who continues to make Jamaica proud.
She identified that the Medal of Freedom was a most prestigious award, and being chosen to obtain it was a sign of her excellent contribution to her adopted homeland, and the crucial function she performed in motivating Individuals to take the COVID-19 vaccine within the battle towards the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
To be numbered among the many different people who can be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, was no imply feat, and is a sign of the excessive esteem with which she has been held by the Biden-Harris administration, the ambassador added.
Among the many different recipients are:
Simone Biles, probably the most adorned American gymnast in historical past.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the youngest lady ever elected to the Arizona State Senate, serving first in Arizona legislature and a survivor of gun violence, who co-founded Giffords, a nonprofit group devoted to gun violence prevention.
Fred Grey, one of many first black members of the Alabama State legislature since Reconstruction who represented Rosa Parks, the NAACP, and who Martin Luther King referred to as “the chief counsel for the protest motion.”
Steve Jobs (posthumous), the co-founder, chief government, and chair of Apple, Inc., CEO of Pixar and a former lead investor on the Walt Disney Firm.
John McCain (posthumous), who served the individuals of Arizona for many years within the U.S. Home of Representatives and U.S. Senate and the Republican nominee for president in 2008; and
Denzel Washington – actor, director, and producer who has received two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award.