Mr. McCullough, the widely acclaimed "master of the art of narrative history," is twice winner of the Pulitzer Prize, twice winner of the National Book Award, and has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. A gifted speaker, Mr. McCullough has lectured in all parts of the country and abroad, as well as at the White House. He is also one of the few private citizens to speak before a joint session of Congress. As Senator Kirk asserted, Mr. McCullough is most definitely a "national treasure."
McCullough displayed his world-class gift for public speaking, sharing many words of wisdom across a vast range of topics, including the vital importance of studying history, of persevering, of being honest and loyal and responsible and of remaining ever curious, as "curiosity is all that separates us from the cabbages."
Mr. McCullough explained that in the wake of failure, whimpering and whining will get us nowhere. If success is to be achieved, it will be by picking ourselves back up and striving to learn from our failures. Quoting Wilbur Wright, Mr. McCullough shared: "No bird soars in a calm."
The thunderous applause he received and the standing ovation he inspired evinced his greatness and our appreciation of the same.