Deseret News | Zelenskyy honors World Trade Center Utah president in ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored Jonathan Freedman, CEO of World Trade Center Utah, on Thursday, Sept. 21, in Washington D.C. with the Ukrainian Order of Merit award. | Youtube.com/@PBSNewsHour
By Doug wilks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood before an audience in the rotunda at the U.S. National Archives Thursday evening as part of his whirlwind day-long effort to report on progress against Russian forces and to seek ongoing financial support from the United States.
“Jonathan Freedman,” came the announcement from Zelenskyy, following his rousing speech at a lectern shared with his wife. Freedman then joined others alongside Ukraine’s president and the first lady of Ukraine to receive the Order of Merit, III Degree, The recognition from the government of Ukraine is “given to individuals for outstanding achievements in economics, science, culture, military or political spheres of activity.”
The Order of Merit, its medal, ribbons and certificates, carry with it the title Chevalier of the Order of Merit. Similar honors were given to supporters in the medical field as well as the arts Thursday in Washington, D.C. for the hours of service on behalf of the people of Ukraine.
“I was very honored and very humbled to receive this award. It is very generous of the president,” Freedman said following the ceremony, in a brief phone interview with the Deseret News. “I share this with Utahns from all around the state who really have made a difference for Ukrainians from here and abroad.”
