Q: What is the Congressional Gold Medal?
A: The U.S. Congress bestows this distinguished award as its highest expression of national appreciation. At least two-thirds of federal lawmakers must sign on to support a nominee before his or her nomination is allowed to advance through committees in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate respectively. Previous recipients include distinguished public servants, military heroes, humanitarians, entertainers, musicians, authors, athletes, religious leaders and pioneers in the fields of medicine, science, and aeronautics. The first Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to George Washington in 1776. Honorees are not limited toU.S.citizens or individuals, as Congress also has honored groups to commemorate their contribution and sacrifice. In 2000, Congress recognized the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers for developing a secret code used by the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.
Q: Who is the most recent recipient of the distinguished award?
A:Iowanative Norman Borlaug was born 93 years ago and raised on a farm near Cresco inHowardCounty. On July 17, 2007, Dr. Borlaug receiveD the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol with the President, Speaker of the House and members ofIowa's congressional delegation in attendance. A humanitarian and renowned agricultural scientist, Dr. Borlaug is credited for essentially eradicating famine single-handedly inMexico,IndiaandPakistanduring the mid-20th century with his development of a disease-resistant, high-yielding wheat. Indeed, he is credited for saving one billion people from starvation in developing nations. Known as the father of the Green Revolution, his advances in biotechnology and agronomy vastly improved the levels of food security in those nations. His successful efforts to expand the food supply also earned Dr. Borlaug recognition for helping to advance world peace. He was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1970. In 1986, during the economic farm crisis blanketing Iowa, Dr. Borlaug established the World Food Prize to recognize those whose work and achievements help eradicate hunger and advance human development by improving the quality, quantity and availability of the food supply. Dr. Borlaug launched the World Food Prize as a means to inspire others to join the Green Revolution. From humble origins, thisIowanative has taken hisIowawork ethic to new heights and continues to burnish his legacy and lifelong devotion to wipe out hunger in the world. Dr. Borlaug will receive a Gold Medal specially designed and produced by the U.S. Mint that reflects his achievement to fight hunger. I proudly salute Dr. Borlaug. ThisIowatreasure is a humanitarian hero who has used his God-given gifts to wipe away the pangs of hunger, seek social justice and promote peace around the world. As a Congressional Gold Medal recipient, he joins the ranks of Mother Teresa ofCalcutta, Thomas Edison, Lady Bird Johnson, Rosa Parks and Pope John Paul II.
Q: Can Iowans obtain a replica of the Borlaug Congressional Gold Medal?
A: Yes. The law authorizing the U.S. Mint to strike the Gold Medal also authorized the U.S. Mint to produce and sell duplicate bronze medals to the public. The coin features an image of Dr. Borlaug in a research field inMexico. The other side shows hands holding strands of wheat encircling a globe with a quote by Dr. Borlaug: The first essential component for social justice is adequate food for all mankind. Individuals may purchase the bronze duplicate for $38 at www.usmint.gov or by contacting the U.S. Mint toll-free at 800/USA-MINT.