posted 05-22-2013 03:33 PM               

Sally Ride, first US woman in space, to be posthumously awarded Medal of Freedom

Sally Ride, the United States' first woman to fly in space, will be posthumously honored with the country's highest civilian commendation and the renaming of a high-flying camera.

President Barack Obama announced on Monday (May 20) Ride will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House later this year. NASA further paid tribute to the late astronaut by creating a new internship program in her name and renaming a science instrument on board the International Space Station.

posted 08-08-2013 08:39 PM               

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Executive Order signed by President John F. Kennedy establishing the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as the first ceremony bestowing the honor on an inaugural class of 31 recipients. Since that time, more than 500 exceptional individuals from all corners of society have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

President Obama said, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom goes to men and women who have dedicated their own lives to enriching ours. This year's honorees have been blessed with extraordinary talent, but what sets them apart is their gift for sharing that talent with the world. It will be my honor to present them with a token of our nation's gratitude."

Sally Ride (posthumous)

Sally Ride was the first American female astronaut to travel to space. As a role model to generations of young women, she advocated passionately for science education, stood up for racial and gender equality in the classroom, and taught students from every background that there are no limits to what they can accomplish. Dr. Ride also served in several administrations as an advisor on space exploration.

posted 11-21-2013 10:53 AM               

Sally Ride, America's 1st woman in space, awarded posthumously Medal of Freedom

Sally Ride, the United States' first woman to fly into space, has been posthumously awarded the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In a ceremony held at the White House Wednesday (Nov. 20), President Barack Obama recognized Ride for her role in "keeping America at the forefront of space exploration" and inspiring young girls "to become scientifically literate and to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math."

"As the first American woman in space, Sally did not just break the stratospheric glass ceiling, she blasted through it," Obama said. "And when she came back to Earth, she devoted her life to helping girls excel in fields like math, science and engineering."

"Young girls need to see role models. 'You cannot be what you cannot see.'" Obama added, quoting Ride. "Today our daughters, including Malia and Sasha, can set their sights a little higher because Sally Ride showed them the way."