George W. and Laura Bush to receive Liberty Medal for work with veterans

On Veterans Day, former President George W. and Laura Bush will be awarded the Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center.

Peter Crimmins

July 26, 2018

Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush are interviewed by host Maria Bartiromo, not pictured, on the "Mornings with Maria Bartiromo" program on the Fox Business Network at the George W. Bush Presidential Library, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

This fall, the National Constitution Center will award its annual Liberty Medal to former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush.

The pair will be recognized for their post-presidency work on behalf of American veterans. The date of the ceremony will be later than usual – normally it happens in late September or early October — so it can coincide with Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

The George W. Bush Institute has a program called the Military Service Initiative, which helps returning soldiers and their families transition into civilian life, including job placement, health care, and PTSD assistance.

“Their tireless work on behalf of those who serve our country and defend our Constitution is inspiring,” said Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center.

Bush’s father, former President George H. W. Bush, was awarded the Liberty Medal alongside former President Bill Clinton for their collaborative work on disaster relief after the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Former first lady Hillary Clinton was awarded the medal in 2013 for her career as a senator and later secretary of state. Former President Jimmy Carter was awarded the medal in 1990.

This will be the first time a former president and first lady will be awarded the medal together.

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