News & Media

Peruvian Government Bestows Decoration to former Governor Bill Richardson

Peruvian Government Bestows Decoration to former Governor Bill Richardson

SANTA FE – On December 6, 2012, Peruvian Ambassador Harold Forsyth honored former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson with the highest Peruvian decoration the “Order of Merit for Distinguished Services.” The ceremony took place at the home of Bill and Alicia Miller in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The decoration was bestowed by the Ambassador of Peru to the United States, Harold Forsyth. During the ceremony, Ambassador Forsyth said: “Peru has been honored with Bill’s presence and his firm support for our democracy on many occasions as a clear sign of his special interest in strengthening ties between the United States of America and our country.”

Likewise, he stressed the important role Governor Richardson had as special member of the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the elections of Peru in 2011.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award. President Humala has been an outstanding leader in the hemisphere,” said Governor Bill Richardson.

The Order of Merit for Distinguished Services is in rank of Grand Cross. This order was established on July 18, 1950 to decorate Peruvians and foreign nationals as recognition for their distinguished contributions to the prestige of Peru and to honor the valuable services rendered to the country in the fields of politics, arts, sciences, industry and commerce.

Bill Richardson sought the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2008. Governor Richardson completed his second term as Governor of New Mexico in 2011. He was elected Governor in 2002 and re-elected in 2006 with the support of 69 percent of voters, representing the largest margin of victory for any Governor in state history.

He served in 1997 as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and in 1998, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. And he served for 15 years in northern New Mexico representing the 3rd Congressional District.

While a congressman, Richardson served as a special envoy on many sensitive international missions. He successfully won the release of hostages, American servicemen and prisoners in North Korea, Iraq, Cuba and Sudan.

Governor Richardson has been nominated several times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

large_120612 RICHARDSON AWARD JP0003_0 large_120612 RICHARDSON AWARD JP0004_0 large_120612 RICHARDSON AWARD JP0002

Donate