In honor of what is the 99th anniversary of Robert Francis Kennedy's (RFK's) birth (he was born November 20, 1925), I thought I'd share the medal that was posthumously awarded to RFK by the US Congress. It was presented to his widow - Ethel Kennedy (maiden name Skakel) - on June 5, 1981.
The Gold Medal for RFK was authorized during the 95th Congress (1977-1978) on November 1, 1978. It was to be presented ''in recognition of the distinguished and dedicated service" by RFK "to the Government and to the people of the United States."
The Public Law that authorized the Gold Medal for RFK also allowed for bronze duplicates to be struck for sale to the public.
The obverse of the medal presents a right-facing, head-and-neck profile depiction of RFK. Beneath the portrait are found the dual dates ("1925-1968") indicating RFK's birth year and year of death.
The reverse presents an adaptation of the emblem of the US Department of Justice. RFK served as US Attorney General (the head of the Department of Justice) from January 20, 1961 to September 3, 1964, An eagle is depicted atop a US Shield with 13 arrows held in its left talon ("Protection") and an olive branch with 13 leaves held in its right ("Peace").
The "Make Gentle the Life of the World" quote seen below the Eagle/Shield comes from a statement issued by RFK following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (April 4, 1968) The full line: "Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world." (The "Greeks" reference refers to the Ancient Greek poet Aeschylus.)
Unfortunately, the world did not heed RFK's message - he was assassinated just two months later on June 6, 1968.
For additional information on RFK, see:
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1998 Robert F. Kennedy Silver DollarFor more of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, including other Robert F. Kennedy stories, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 11/20/2024 1:03 pm
