By Peter Ehrlichman

Hotel Rwanda Manager Paul Rusesabagina, who will be the featured speaker at the King County Bar Foundation's annual "Breakfast with Champions" fundraising event on April 3, has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Rusesabagina was honored with the nation's highest civil award on November 9. The award goes to "any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

According to the White House announcement:

Paul Rusesabagina demonstrated courage and compassion by sheltering people at the hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. By risking his own life, he helped to save the lives of more than 1,000 fellow Rwandans. Mr. Rusesabag-ina's selfless acts have inspired millions, and he represents the best of the human spirit.

KCBF President Geoff Revelle, commenting on the award, called Rusesabagina "a true international champion in his own right. The Foundation is proud to have Mr. Rusesabagina, our nation's newest Medal of Freedom recipient, speak to us in April. His powerful presence will lend support to the Foundation's effort to fund the justice and diversity programs sponsored by the King County Bar Association and KCBF."