S. Korea gives Hyde its highest civilian medal

This story, republished from our archives, first ran Nov. 28, 2006.

Republicans aren't the only ones who will miss retiring U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde.

South Korean officials expressed their appreciation for the conservative icon from Wood Dale by presenting him with their nation's highest civilian honor, the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit Gwanghwa Medal.

"Even though he's retired, we want to let him know that we will never forget what he's done for Korea," said Kim Eun-seok, minister-counselor at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. "We will always be friends."

Kim said Monday that Hyde is the first member of Congress to receive the award.

The 82-year-old Hyde, who represented the Northwest and West suburban 6th Congressional District for 30 years, officially retires Jan. 4.

As chairman of the House International Relations Committee, he worked to strengthen the relationship between South Korea and the U.S., Kim said.

While presenting Hyde with the diplomatic-service medal earlier this month, South Korean Ambassador Lee Tae-sik thanked Hyde for focusing on issues facing the Korean peninsula, including the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

"I want you to know how much your wisdom, your judgment and the warmth of your heart on issues pertaining to Korea, Asia and beyond have been greatly appreciated and will be sorely missed," Lee said.

Hyde, whose local office is scheduled to close Friday, was unavailable for comment on Monday.

But in a statement released by the International Relations Committee, Hyde said he was "deeply grateful" for receiving the honor.

He also wants to see ratification of a free trade agreement between South Korea and the U.S. and the enactment of a visa waiver program for South Korean visitors.

With such views, Kim said, Hyde has shown South Koreans that he "cares about history, truth and humanity."

"Personally, I have a great admiration for the man," Kim said.