Gates will receive the medal in a ceremony on Sept. 22, 2011, in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center on Independence Mall. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Liberty Medal sponsors made the announcement. They say Gates has built a legacy of defending freedom, promoting diplomacy and supporting US troops worldwide.

Gates has served eight presidents. He also is the only U.S. Defense Secretary who has served presidents of different parties. The Liberty Medal was first given in 1989. Previous winners include rock singer and human rights activist Bono, former South African President Nelson Mandela and former President Jimmy Carter.