Nation Pays Tribute To Arnold Palmer, D’96 the world. It wasn’t just about winning golf tournaments. It was about being a role model and giving back to the community.” Palmer’s charitable contributions include the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, the Arnold Palmer Prostate Center in California, the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, the Arnold Palmer Pavilion at Excela Health, Latrobe, and the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent, among many other activities. “I hope I can thank you properly and tell you how much it means to me to be here to accept this award,” Palmer said. “I’m very humbled. Thank you very much.”
rnold Palmer is “an icon of American sports, and a success in all of his endeavors—a humanitarian, a businessman, a philanthropist. He personifies the American dream... Born to humble beginnings and raised in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Arnie rose from blue collar roots, becoming the King, the ‘King of Golf.’ As King of Golf he raised up ‘Arnie’s Army.’ As King he always demonstrated sportsmanship, courtesy, and friendship to fans and competitors alike... As Arnie’s Army followed him through the course, he taught everyone about perseverance and discipline.” The above words were read by Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives during the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to Arnold Palmer, recipient of an honorary degree from Saint Vincent College in 1996. “After amassing countless accolades on the golf course during his storied career, Arnold Palmer joined a Mount Rushmore of American heroes, including George Washington and Neil Armstrong, when he was honored for his far-reaching lifetime contributions,” wrote Stephen Hennessey, golf writer, following the ceremony September 12 in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. “Your tireless efforts to save lives, not just your short game, make you an immortal,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. “Arnold embodied the hard-working spirit of America, and he played a game we could all try to be good at,” said golfer Jack Nicklaus. “Arnold Palmer is here today because throughout his life he has been a model of integrity, passion and committment,” said Speaker of the House John Boehner. California Congressman Joe Baca said that “we are here today to honor a legend. A giant for golfers around Saint Vincent Magazine
Arnold Palmer accepts the Congressional Medal of Honor in Washington, D.C. on September 12.
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Fall 2012