O-mama - Opinionated Moms

Photo Carolyn Kaster/AP

President Obama handed out 15 Presidential Medals of Freedom, which is the highest honor the government can give to an average, non-military citizen.   To win the award, here’s what you need to do…be an individual with “especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”  Wow…that’s it, huh? Cinchy- lets go for it, MAMAs!

This year, the recipients included President George H.W. Bush (that’s elder Bush, who Obama praises regularly, not little Bush, who he doesn’t like so much), NBA star Bill Russell, poet Maya Angelou,  and cellist Yo Yo Ma.   He also honored billionaire Warren Buffett on the one hand, and John H. Adams (environmentalist) and John J. Sweeny (former AFL-CIO president) on the other.  Hmmmm…so not entirely a-political, but at least balanced.

So great to get a “pat on the back” for a job well done...or a productive and constructive life well lived.  We need to remember that’s important to give our kids, and our friends for that matter, some recognition for a job well done.  It doesn’t have to be international diplomacy…it could be playground diplomacy or negotiating a tough math test.  If you’re the chief, remember to hail your kid’s wins every now and then.  They’ll wear that “medal” with pride!

If you know a great KID-O who is changing the world, contact us.  We honor kids every month on the site…not a Medal of Freedom, but still pretty cool!