Angie Long

Greenville native and state auditor Beth Killough Chapman, who also spent her youth in Crenshaw County,

has been named the recipient of the 2005 National Awards Program’s George Washington Honor Medal.

The awards program, sponsored by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, is intended to recognize the “exceptional efforts of individuals and organizations whose positive words or deeds promote our country’s great heritage and encourage Americans to understand, to value and to speak up for the rights and unique freedoms which are theirs.”

Chapman’s name became familiar to many beyond Alabama after her inspiring speech in February 2003 at a “Stand Up for America” rally. The speech and subsequent book, “The Power of Patriotism,” struck a chord in many citizens’ hearts. Copies of her speech were e-mailed across the country and around the world, and her words were featured in countless newspapers and television and radio news reports.

Chapman, who has been described as “a lady of integrity,” has called the response to her four-minute speech “ absolutely amazing.”

Her book details the story behind the speech and the overwhelming response it received. Details of the book and speech can be found at www.BethChapman.com.

Previous recipients of the George Washington Honor Medal have included John Glenn, Herbert Hoover, Chief Justice Warren Burger, General Omar Bradley and John Wayne.

Chapman, a staunch supporter of America’s military, said she is “deeply honored” to receive the award.

“I receive it on behalf of the members, past and present, of the Alabama National Guard and all branches of the United States Military. They are the ones who truly deserve honor,” Chapman said.

As state auditor, Chapman and her staff, produced 96 percent perfect audits of state agencies with budget cuts of 25 percent. She is now an official candidate for Alabama Secretary of State in 2006.