The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has awarded former Secretary of State Colin Powell the “Great Americans” medal for lifetime contributions that embody American principles, according to a press release Thursday.
Powell was honored during a ceremony Wednesday, where he donated a navy blue jacket he regularly donned during his time as top diplomat under former President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005.
“Secretary Powell is a soldier and a statesman who represents the fundamental ideals and ideas of America that have distinguished this nation since its founding,” said John Gray, director of the museum. “Democracy, freedom and opportunity are values embodied by Secretary Powell.”
The uniform Powell wore during his service in Operation Desert Storm is also on display at the museum. Powell served 35 years in the U.S. Army and as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before former President Ronald Reagan made him national security adviser.
The award is given to up to four recipients, but the museum has not specified any other recipients this year.
