Secretary of State Colin Powell will be awarded the 2002 Philadelphia Liberty Medal during the city's Fourth of July celebration at Independence Hall.
Selection commission chairman Martin Meyerson called Powell a "giant" among leaders supporting human liberties, citing his role in the war on terrorism, seeking peace in the Middle East and helping the people of Afghanistan transform their nation.
"No one is held in greater esteem in America, and there could not be a more fitting individual to receive this year's Liberty Medal in America's birthplace on America's birthday," Meyerson said.
View Comments
Last year's recipient of the medal and its accompanying $100,000 was United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.