There is a move to nominate John Gorrie for the Presidential Citizens Award medal and public support would help

There is a move to nominate John Gorrie for the Presidential Citizens Award medal and public support would help.

The Presidential Citizens Award medal was established by President Richard Nixon.

It recognizes an individual "who has performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or fellow citizens." and it can be awarded posthumously.

Author Linda Caldwell, who recently wrote a biography of John Gorrie called “He Made Ice and Changed the World” is leading the drive to have John Gorrie nominated.

And very few people have done as much for his country and John Gorrie.

In the 1800s while seeking alleviate the suffering of patients with yellow fever, he invented and patented a machine for mechanical refrigeration paving the way for the air conditioning we enjoy today. 

Dr. Gorrie was not rewarded for achievements in his lifetime but he has been recognized since.

His is one of two statues of Floridians in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. 

In Apalachicola there is a public square named for him as well as a monument erected in 1900

There is also a museum displaying a replica of his machine; The original is in the Smithsonian.

If you would like to offer your support for the nomination, you can send a brief letter to Linda Caldwell or e-mail a letter of support to gorriebiography@gmail.com.

Please do it soon, the deadline for the nomination package is June the 15^th.

Linda Caldwell

21165 NW 13 Street, Dunellon, Fl

34431-1417 

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