Suu Kyi Bestowed With Highest U.S. Honor

Mizzima News

Friday, 25 April 2008 17:45

The United States Senate yesterday unanimously approved the award of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest civilian honor in the land, to embattled Burmese democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi, continuing to be held under house arrest by Burma's ruling junta, becomes the first individual to win the recognition while in detention. "In a world in which public heroes are few and far between, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the greatest people of our time; she richly deserves this award, an award we hope will show the people of Burma they are not alone in their struggle," read a celebratory message released Thursday from the activist group U.S. Campaign for Burma. "The generals", elaborated U.S. Campaign for Burma, "who control around 400,000 soldiers, are losing a battle with a single, unarmed woman. Her only tools are courage and loving kindness, yet she has captured the hearts and loyalty of the people of Burma." Previous international honorees include Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The United States House of Representatives had previously adopted the motion without opposition. < Prev   Next >