A Hoosier statesman is set to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor. Former U.S. Senator Richard Lugar is among 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom honorees announced by the White House. President Barack Obama will present the awards during a ceremony at the White House later this year. They are given to those who have made significant contributions to national security, world peace or cultural developments. Lugar was chosen because of his “decades long commitment to reducing the threat of nuclear weapons,” according to a statement. Other honorees include former President Bill Clinton, talk show host Oprah Winfrey, Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks and country music legend Loretta Lynn. Lugar represented Indiana in the U.S. Senate from 1977 until 2013. He lost to Richard Mourdock in last year’s Republican Primary. Mourdock was defeated by Democrat Joe Donnelly in the general election.
