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Congress Gives Suu Kyi Its Top Civilian Honor

Myanmar heroine gets Congressional Gold Medal

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 19, 2012 6:53 PM CDT

(AP) – Lawmakers united by their respect of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi today presented her with Congress' highest civilian honor in a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. Suu Kyi described it as "one of the most moving days of my life." She was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2008 while under a 15-year house arrest for her peaceful struggle against military rule. Afterward, she met privately at the White House with President Obama. They appeared relaxed and were smiling as they talked in the Oval Office. Neither made formal comments to the media.

President Obama meets with Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the Oval Office Wednesday.
President Obama meets with Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the Oval Office Wednesday.   (Susan Walsh)
Aung San Suu Kyi meets with President Obama.
Aung San Suu Kyi meets with President Obama.   (Susan Walsh)
Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, center, receives the Congressional Gold Medal from Speaker of the House John Boehner. That's Laura Bush next to him.
Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, center, receives the Congressional Gold Medal from Speaker of the House John Boehner. That's Laura Bush next to him.   (Jacquelyn Martin)
Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, right, sits with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi during the ceremony.
Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, right, sits with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi during the ceremony.   (Jacquelyn Martin)
Nancy Pelosi, left, and Speaker of the House John Boehner sit next to Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi as she is greeted by former first lady Laura Bush.
Nancy Pelosi, left, and Speaker of the House John Boehner sit next to Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi as she is greeted by former first lady Laura Bush.   (Jacquelyn Martin)
Aung San Suu Kyi speaks after being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Aung San Suu Kyi speaks after being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.   (Jacquelyn Martin)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 6 comments
guvner
Sep 19, 2012 11:35 PM CDT
I am so moved to see a deserved, REAL Nobel Peace Prize Laureate finally in the White House. And oh, yeah, I heard the chick won one too. Guess they give it to every two-bit up-and-comer these days.

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US • World

 
Myanmar • Aung San Suu Kyi • Congressional Gold Medal

 
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