Cokie Roberts Receives 2010 Freedom Award; Reflects on Lifelong Love of U.S. Capitol Building 

Ms. Cokie Roberts, a political commentator for ABC News and Senior News Analyst for National Public Radio, received the U.S. Capitol Historical Society's 18th Annual Freedom Award on Wednesday, October 6th.  After being introduced by her husband, Steve Roberts, Cokie first thanked the many members of her family for being present, especially her mother, former Congresswoman and Ambassador to the Vatican Lindy Claiborne Boggs.

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Roberts reflected on the role of the U.S. Capitol in her own life.  Growing up as the daugher of Majority Leader Hale Boggs, it is no surprise that her first memory of the building was coming to the opening day of Congress as a 5-year-old girl.  She recalls being "parked" on the Senate subway for afternoons at a time while it acted as baby-sitter.  Her mother would later serve as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Even her son, who served as a House Page during high school, would later propose to his girlfriend atop the Dome at the feet of the Statue of Freedom.  The Capitol holds a lifetime of memories for Roberts and she shared that she has "loved it for more than 60 years."

While her personal experiences emotionally connect Roberts to the building, she has deepened her respect for Congress by studying the Capitol's history for her recent books and articles.  She reflects on many key moments of American history that took place within these walls - from delarations of war to heated debates over equality and representation for all.  It was here that the Congress passed the "...two greatest acts empowering freedom - the 13th and 19th amendments."  Her work reflecting and reporting both on today's political climate and the history of the Capitol and Congress truly exemplify the spirit of the Freedom Award.

Cokie Roberts (second from right) with her husband Steve Roberts (left), mother Ambassador Lindy Clairborne Boggs (second from left), and daughter Rebecca Roberts (right).

The audience enjoys the remarks from award recipient Cokie Roberts.

Cokie Roberts receives the Freedom Award from U.S. Capitol Historical Society President Ron Sarasin.

The Freedom Award presented by the Society's Boad of Trustees recognizes individuals and organizations that have advanced greater public understanding and appreciation for freedom as represented by the U.S. Capitol and Congress.  The Society initiated its Freedom Award on September 17, 1993, the eve of the 200th anniversary of the laying of the U.S. Capitol cornerstone by George Washington.  It is named for the statue that graces the Capitol's dome.