Post by TotalInformation on Jun 30, 2004 22:27:59 GMT
www.cincypost.com/2004/06/24/day062404.html
Bush honors 'a girl from Cincinnati'
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By Michael Collins
Post Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- To Doris Day, the president paying tribute to the Cincinnati girl-next-door seemed too strange to be true, like something that happens only in the movies.
But as her signature song says, whatever will be will be.
Day, the Cincinnati native who became an internationally known movie star and songstress, was awarded the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, on Wednesday in recognition of her contributions to the arts.
Star power
• Doris Day made 39 films and was one of the top 10 box office attractions every year from 1948 until 1964, the longest run of any female star in motion picture history.
• Doris Day made 39 films and was one of the top 10 box office attractions every year from 1948 until 1964, the longest run of any female star in motion picture history.
"It was a good day for America when Doris Marianne von Kappelhoff of Evanston, Ohio, decided to become an entertainer," President Bush said during a ceremony in the White House's East Room. "It was a good day for our fellow creatures when she gave her good heart to the cause of animal welfare.
"Doris Day is one of the greats, and America will always love its sweetheart."
The 80-year-old actress, who is afraid to fly, did not attend the White House ceremony, but said in a letter to Bush that she appreciated the honor.
"I am so grateful that I had the privilege of being in show business, singing great songs and making movies, and I am awestruck as an American by this incredible tribute," she wrote.
In a statement to The Post, she said, "A girl from Cincinnati -- who would have thought!"
Born Doris von Kappelhoff in 1924, she grew up in Evanston and sang and danced in Price Hill. After her dreams of a dancing career were cut short by a car accident, she turned her attention to singing.
As a teenager, she emerged as an accomplished Big Band vocalist, eventually scoring with hits such as "Sentimental Journey," "Secret Love" and "Que Sera, Sera," which won an Academy Award in 1956 after being featured in "The Man Who Knew Too Much.''
Since her retirement in 1980, she has devoted her time to her work with animals and her nonprofit organizations, the Doris Day Animal League and the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes achievement in public service, science and education, entertainment, the arts, athletics, business and other fields.
Other 2004 honorees include Pope John Paul II, golfer Arnold Palmer, journalist Robert Bartley, politician Edward Brooke, historian Vartan Gregorian, National Geographic Society Chairman Gilbert Grosvenor, cosmetics mogul Estee Lauder, actress Rita Moreno, ophthalmology researcher Arnall Patz, journalist Norman Podhoretz, economist and banker Walter Wriston and Mormon church president Gordon B. Hinckley.
At first, Day didn't believe it when she heard that she had been chosen for the honor, said her spokeswoman, Linda Dozoretz.
"She just can't get over how a girl from Cincinnati can get the Presidential Medal of Freedom," Dozoretz said. "She always regards herself as just a girl from Cincinnati."
Publication Date: 06-24-2004
The Cincinnati Post