Byron Nelson has earned a lot of respect over the years, but last week, that respect took on another dimension. The House of Representatives passed a bill to award him the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor the US Government can give a civilian. It still has to be approved by the Senate.
Representative Michael Burgess introduced the bill, which was approved by the House.
“Well we all know Byron Nelson by so many different titles, now we're going to know Byron by another title, National Treasure,” Burgess said. “This is an honor that is reserved for people who have really been of outstanding achievement throughout their lives.”
The Bill still needs to be passed by two thirds of the Senate for Nelson to receive the award. Over the years, Congress has awarded 137 medals. The first ever was given to George Washington. Only four athletes have received the award, including Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, and Roberto Clemente. Nelson would be the fifth.
Byron says the medal is really deserved by all the people who have contributed their time to his tournament.
“The work they have done, the people that supported it, deserve the medal that I'm getting, but I'm honored. I don't know what else to say, but I'm honored and I'm thankful,” Nelson says.
It’s been a week filled with recognition for Nelson, who was also commissioned an admiral in the Texas Navy during opening ceremonies on Tuesday.
Says PGA Tour Player Chad Campbell, “Byron as a person, I think what he's done on and off the golf course, you couldn't ask for a better man.”
PGA Tour Player Corey Pavin is just as excited. “I'm glad that its coming his way, and its a great honor,” he says. “He understands exactly what it is, and he's very respectful of everything. I'm just tickled pink for him.”
“What is it, a certain percentage of the US Senate has to okay it, and hopefully a lot of those people play golf," says PGA Tour Player Justin Leonard.
The Senate has until the end of September to approve Nelson's Congressional Gold Medal, after that the process would have to start all over again, but right now, its obvious, that his support is growing.
