WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Liberty Medal is awarded annually to an individual - or individuals - from around the world that demonstrate courage and conviction in defense of freedom and human rights; and
WHEREAS, The prestigious award was created by the Philadelphia Foundation in 1988; the Philadelphia Liberty Medal is now administered by the National Constitution Center; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Liberty Medal has been bestowed upon influential leaders from around the world, including Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Sandra Day O’Connor, and John Lewis; and
WHEREAS, Last year’s award went to courageous freedom-fighting activists: Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and Saudi women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul; and
WHEREAS, In 2022, freedom-loving people around the world watched in horror at the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the war has killed thousands and displaced millions; and
WHEREAS, In the months that followed, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, commanded the attention of the world as the face of the opposition to Russian autocracy; and
WHEREAS, Zelenskyy has been a consummate leader for the Ukrainian people and a skilled communicator to both domestic and international audiences; and
WHEREAS, Zelesnkyy refuses to leave the seat of government in Kyiv despite growing treats; his calm, defiant leadership continues to boost the morale of the Ukrainian people; and
WHEREAS, Zelenskyy’s steadfast fight for freedom and self-determination in the face of tyranny and despotism embodies the principles of the Philadelphia Liberty Medal; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby requests the National Constitution Center give consideration to awarding the Philadelphia Liberty Medal to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, for his courageous leadership in defense of democracy, freedom, and self-determination.
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