In August of 1989, for lifetime
dedicated service to country, community, church, and
family, Ezra Taft Benson was awarded the US
Presidential Citizens Medal from President
George H. W. Bush. A portion of the text of the
citation that accompanied the medal read as follows:
"As agriculture advisor to presidents Roosevelt
and Eisenhower, leader of his Church, and
60-year friend of the Boy Scouts of America, he
has worked tirelessly. His devotion to
family and commitment to the principles of freedom are
an example for all Americans. President Benson's love
of liberty and country were evidenced in
his life's works." This is a choice land,
choice above all others. Blessed by the Almighty,
our forefathers have made and kept it so. It will continue to be a
land of freedom and liberty as long as we are
able to advance in the light of sound and
enduring principles of right. With all my heart, I
love this great nation. It is my firm conviction that
the Constitution of this land was established by men
whom the God of heaven raised up unto
that very purpose. This is part of my
religious faith.