President Gordon B. Hinckley gave the following statement today upon hearing that he will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by president George W. Bush:
"I will be deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the President of the United States. I am profoundly grateful. In a larger sense, it recognizes and honors the Church which has given me so many opportunities and whose interests I have tried to serve.
"To the Church, to my associates, and to our people everywhere I extend my gratitude and with each of you share the honor of this recognition."