Gates to receive Liberty Medal in public ceremony tonight

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who served in various offices under eight presidents, will receive the Liberty Medal tonight in Philadelphia.

Gates retired in June. He is the only Pentagon chief to serve two presidents of different parties. He joined the cabinet of President George W. Bush in December 2006, and was reappointed by President Obama.

During that time, he oversaw troop surges in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been noted as a strong advocate for soldiers as well as a responsible steward of military resources in tough economic times.

During his five-decade career, Gates held senior posts in five administrations. The Kansas native was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force in 1967, and then went on to a career in the CIA. He was named director in 1991 - the only career officer to rise to the top job at the agency.

An Inquirer editorial early this year called Gates, a one-time Eagle Scout, "the very model of the professional, even-tempered, and nonpartisan adviser every president needs."

The Liberty medal has been awarded annually since 1989 to recipients whose efforts have helped secure liberty for people around the world.

Among the past honorees are three presidents; statesmen and leaders from Europe, Asia, and Africa; two Supreme Court justices; artists; human-rights activists; peace envoys; scientists; and a U.S. secretary of state.

Tonight's public ceremony will be held 7 p.m. at the National Constitution Center on Independence Mall.