Bush Surprises Four With Presidential Citizens Medals

John D. McKinnon reports on the White House. President George W. Bush pulled a rare surprise at a White House awards ceremony on Monday, handing out medals to four people who thought they were there just to help out. After presenting almost 20 medals for achievements in the arts and humanities, Bush unexpectedly awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Bruce Cole , chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities; Dana Gioia , chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts; Adair Margo , chairman of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities; and Bob Martin , former director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. A fifth surprise recipient, Anne Radice , didn’t attend and was to receive her medal later. “As president, I rarely have the opportunity to surprise anybody,” Bush began. “It is tough to be stealthy with a security detail that comprises a 20-car motorcade. That makes me especially pleased to present the President’s Citizens Medal to four ... (link)