Jim Thorpe receives the Medal of Freedom

JIM THORPE, CARBON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The town of Jim Thorpe in Carbon County is named after one of the greatest athletes in history.

That man was honored at the white house with the highest civilian award.

Although Jim Thorpe is no longer alive, his legacy was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Carbon County town that is named after him is also where his memorial stands.

Some were there remembering him, while others were enjoying the historic community.

When northeastern Pennsylvania locals think of Jim Thorpe, they think of the historic town of Carbon County.

But on Friday, Jim Thorpe himself was remembered for the reason it’s named in his honor.

“Jim Thorpe was the country’s original multi-sport athlete and one of the greatest stars. He demonstrated moral courage time and time again as he overcame shameful bigotry,” said an unknown speaker at the White House.

Jim Thorpe was granted the highest civilian award of the United States, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“Gail Lynn Hannon accepting on behalf of James Francis Thorpe,” continued an unknown speaker at the White House.

Thorpe wasn’t from NEPA, but it now stands as his final resting place. His marble tomb is surrounded by his life story and those who want to learn about it.

Lynn Hannon accepting on behalf of James Francis Thorpe.

Thorpe won gold in the 1912 Olympics, making him the first native american athlete in history to do so.

“This happens to be my favorite place in Jim Thorpe, reading about him. I’ve read about him several times and I still enjoy reading it each time back. In fact I get a little bit emotional coming back here,” stated Jim Hoegh from Sunbury.

Every year, Jim Hoegh makes it a point to stop and remember the remarkable athlete and is happy Thorpe is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

“I think it’s great that he’s further acknowledged. Despite his many accomplishments, I don’t think that he really received the benefits of that accomplishment you know financially and personally as a family,” explained Hoegh.

The famous name of the town doesn’t just honor Thorpe’s legacy it brings people from all over together and money into the historic town.

“They want to know where his tomb is and that’s the first place they go, and then they come down and they take care of all the vendors. He made a lot of money for a lot of vendors here, a lot of storefronts. It just all fell together,” added Bob Yevak from Hazleton.

Jim Thorpe died in 1953 at the age of 64.

That was when his tomb was brought to the area and the town was renamed after him.

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