On the Fourth of July, the city of Philadelphia welcomed Secretary of State Colin Powell as he received the 2002 Philadelphia Liberty Medal.
The award, which was established in 1988, annually honors an individual or organization that has shown leadership and defended other countries' pursuits of liberty and freedom. Past recipients include United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Upon receiving the medal, Powell expressed gratitude for being an American citizen.
"This is not only a medal for serving the community, but as a debt to the service that I still owe," Powell said.
Powell's acceptance speech addressed topics including the September 11 terrorist attacks, patriotism and the Declaration of Independence.
"Terrorists were wrong in thinking that they could keep us from celebrating the 4th of July," Powell exclaimed. "We are here!"
Also, in the spirit of the holiday, Powell acclaimed the enduring legacy of the Declaration of Independence.
"I am inspired once again by the magic that took place here 226 years ago," Powell said.
Powell then turned to the topic of terrorism.
"Terrorists are our enemies -- not people of particular faith or ethnicity," Powell remarked. "We will not rest until they have been defeated, brought to justice -- every one of them."
Furthermore, Powell urged the audience to remain open-minded.
"We can take a stand through tolerance," Powell said. "It's no less our responsibilty as citizens... to ensure that this great country of ours remains a force for freedom."
Powell closed his speech with what he called his "Red, White, and Blue Message."
"It is up to every one of us to make the words of the Declaration of Independence speak to every man, woman and child of our time," he said.
The ceremony, which was held at Independence Hall in downtown Philadelphia, was also marked by patriotic performances and fanfare.
Additionally, National Park Service Regional Director Marie Rust spoke Powell's acheivements, the America's Founding Fathers and the heroes of September 11.
"This ceremony celebrates the finest aspect of the American spirit: sacrificing personal security for the sake of others," Rust said.
In response to alleged threats of terrorist attacks, security measures at the event were heightened. Unlike previous years, audience members were required to obtain tickets in advance.
In spite of these changes, however, attendees of the ceremony offered rave reviews.
Sheila Jones, a native of Brooklyn, thought that Powell's speech was excellent.
"It was a privilege to partake in such an event, especially one with a man as honorable as Colin Powell," Jones remarked.
Penn alum and Navy veteran Albert Greenbaum (Wharton '43) was moved by Powell's speech.
"Tears came to my eyes when I heard [his speech]," Greenbaum said. It's a shame more people couldn't come."
And Greg Carr, a history teacher and resident of Philadelphia, described Powell's speech as inspiration.
"Powell's speech reflected a vision of what can be," Carr said. "[Powell is] someone who attempts to live his ideas."
