Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is the recipient of Illinois’ highest honor for professional achievement. IPR'S Alex Keefe has details.
Clinton was given the Order of Lincoln at a black-tie ceremony Saturday night for her years of public service. She’s been a First Lady, U.S. Senator, Democratic presidential candidate and most recently, Secretary of State.
But during her acceptance speech, Clinton mostly talked about growing up in northwest suburban Park Ridge and visiting Chicago as a girl.
"Playing sixteen-inch softball, which does not exist anywhere else in the universe (laughs fade out)..."
Clinton mentioned nothing about a speculated 2016 presidential run. Instead, she spoke hopefully about a next generation of public servants being inspired by Abraham Lincoln.
"...and continue to do all that needs to be done to unify this exceptional country on behalf of the values that he gave his life for."
This year’s other Order of Lincoln recipients include men’s college basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and former FCC Chairman Newton Minow.