President Reagan honored with Libertas award

Michael Reagan will accept the award on behalf of his father at a ceremony Jan. 20 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Brian Bush, executive director of the Academy of Leadership and Liberty, said Reagan is only the third recipient of the award. It was first given to Walmart founder Sam Walton in 1987, and in 2008 to Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy.

“The Libertas award is from the Latin, meaning freedom,” Bush said. “It is designed to celebrate and honor those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in honoring the idea of free enterprise in our nation.”

Bush said the first two awards were given to businessmen in celebration of their achievement of economic freedom and success. Members of the academy this time hoped to stretch the boundary to include an individual they felt lived an exemplary life in support of the idea of the inherent right for all people to be free.

“As we discussed who would be the next honoree, President Reagan was at the front of our mind,” Bush said.

Bush said Reagan spoke via video at Walton's award ceremony in 1987. The award this year will come in advance of what would have been Reagan's 100th birthday, Feb. 6. Bush said it is one of many centennial events to honor the former leader.

The public is invited to attend the Libertas ceremony. Tickets are $100 or $700 for an eight-person table. To purchase tickets or to become an event sponsor, call 425-1080.