Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, January 10, 2001

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Jill Homan January 10,2001 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Congratulates Pope John Paul II on Receiving Congressional Gold Medal WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announced Pope John Paul II was awarded Congress’s most distinguished honor, the Congressional Gold Medal. The U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and Members of Congress presented the spiritual leader with the award in the Vatican City. Congressman Ehrlich stated, "Pope John Paul is one of the truly heroic figures of our time. He is a man of great compassion whose tireless campaign to defend the dignity of every human life has been an inspiration to people of all faiths. "Few individuals did more to prompt the demise of Soviet communism and bring freedom to the millions who suffered under that brutal regime." Congress has commissioned Congressional Gold Medals since the American Revolution as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. This award has also been given to such diverse individuals as Sir Winston Churchill, Bob Hope, George Washington, Robert Frost, Joe Louis, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. ###