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Donald Trump Awarding Coaching Legend Lou Holtz Presidential Medal of Freedom This Week

Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump this week. The announcement of the award presentation to the former South Carolina and Notre Dame came on Wednesday,

The Medal of Freedom Award is considered to be the country’s highest civilian honor. The President may award the honor to individuals whose “meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” CNN White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins tweeted the news on Wednesday.

“President Trump is giving the Medal of Freedom to Lou Holtz tomorrow,” the tweet states.

Donald Trumps Touts Lou Holtz’s Accomplishments

Trump initially announced the news earlier this year in September, according to Pop Culture. Calling Holtz an “incredible leader,” Trump had many positive things to say about the legendary head coach.

“Incredible leader, Lou Holtz. I’ve known him for a long time, he’s been a friend of mine,” the president says. “I think I’ve received letters from every football coach, almost, in the nation. That’s a little exaggeration, but some of the greats. Nick Saban wrote a letter, Coach O (Ed Orgeron) and Urban Meyer wrote a beautiful letter. So many of the other great, legendary coaches.”

A statement from the White House calls Holtz one of the greatest football coaches of all time.

“One of the greatest football coaches of all time for his unmatched accomplishments on the gridiron,” the statement says. “But he is also a philanthropist, author, and true American patriot.”

Before becoming a football coach, Holtz was an officer for the United States Army Reserve.

“I was taught at an early age that I had an obligation to serve my country,” Holtz says of the award.

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