South Korea honors Norris

One hundred and fifty five years after the birth of George W. Norris, the legendary senator is still being honored for his legislative and diplomatic accomplishments. To remember George's impact nationally and internationally, the senator's great grandson recently loaned Norris memorabilia -- including the medal, citation and banner from Korea -- to the George W. Norris Home in McCook. Displaying the Norris items is Dawna Bates, the site supervisor of the Home at 706 Norris Ave. in McCook. (Gene O. Morris/McCook Gazette)

McCOOK, Neb. -- More than 70 years after his earthly life ended, awards of merit are still being bestowed upon the late, great U.S. Sen. George W. Norris of Nebraska.

Sen. Norris, who lived the last half of his life in McCook, served for 40 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

Renowned as one of the greatest legislators in American history, Sen. Norris continues to be acclaimed. His most recent tribute came from the Republic of Korea, which recognized the senator for "his efforts to help the people of Korea to be freed from Japanese imperialism."

South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Ahn Ho-young, presented the Award of Merit, along with an engraved medal, to the Senator's great-grandson, David Norris Rath, during special ceremonies this past summer at the ambassador's home in Washington, D.C.

Afterwards, Rath traveled to Seoul, South Korea for special ceremonies honoring Sen. Norris and others who helped Korea in its quest for independence.

Before his return to the U.S., Rath was presented a banner which featured a photograph of Sen. Norris and a proclamation, in the Korean language, honoring "The Gentle Knight of Progressive Ideals" for the role he played in helping Korea achieve freedom from foreign rule.

The full terse of Korea's citation for Sen. Norris followed"

"In recognition and appreciation for his outstanding and meritorious service rendered to the independence of Korea by diplomatic efforts as a U.S. Senator and the Vice President of the League of Freedom of Korea from 1919 to 1920, I hereby present: THE ORDER OF MERIT FOR NATIONAL FOUNDATION NATIONAL MEDAL to the late MR. GEORGE WILLIAM NORRIS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."

The Citation was signed by Park Geun-hye, president of the Republic of Korea.