The E-Sylum:  Volume 6, Number 29, July 20, 2003, Article 6

CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL FOR TONY BLAIR

  The American Congress bestowed a Congressional Gold
  Medal on Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair on Thursday,
  July 17th.  Dick Johnson reports that Blair's mention of the
  first such medal, the famous "Washington Before Boston"
  medal drew laughter at a joint session of Congress.  Here
  is what he said after expressing thanks for this award:

  "Mr. Speaker, sir, my thrill on receiving this award was
  only a little diminished on being told that the first Congressional
  Gold Medal was awarded to George Washington for what
  Congress called his 'wise and spirited conduct' in getting
  rid of the British out of Boston."

  [Blair also made reference to the Library of Congress.
  "On our way down here, Senator Frist was kind enough to
  show me the fireplace where, in 1814, the British had burnt
  the Congress Library. I know this is, kind of, late, but sorry."

  The medal has been awarded  to a British leader only once
  before.  Sir Winston Churchill was given the award
  posthumously in 1969.   The first link below is to one press
  account of Blair's speech.  The second link is to an official
  page listing all awardees since 1776.

  http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/18/1058035171627.html
  http://clerk.house.gov/histHigh/Congressional_History/goldMedal.php

  I've only seen one original Congressional Gold Medal, that
  of General Matthew B. Ridgeway.  It was awarded in 1990.
  I was somewhat in awe to hold the piece in my hand.  I believe
  it was nearly six ounces of gold, and a beautiful piece of the
  engraver's art.   The U.S. Mint web site didn't seem to have
  much information on the Congressional Gold Medals.  Does
  anyone know who designed and engraved the new Blair medal?
  -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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