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James Foley Honored Posthumously With 'Life and Liberty Award'

Todd Bookman/NHPR

James Foley, a reporter who was killed by ISIS militants in 2014, was recognized by the New Hampshire Supreme Court Society with its Life and Liberty Award during a ceremony in Concord on Tuesday.

Foley, who grew up in Wolfeboro, was a freelance journalist who often spent time in conflict zones. He was covering the Syrian Civil War when he was captured and eventually killed by ISIS militants. His death reverberated around the globe, and brought attention to the dangers facing journalists.

National Public Radio’s Lulu Garcia-Navarro--herself a veteran war correspondent--gave the keynote address inside the Supreme Court’s chambers.

“I know the personal cost and the pain of bearing witness, not only for those who are doing it, but for the families that wonder if the price is worth it, if the stories are worth dying for,” said Garcia-Navarro.

The Weekend Edition host offered a strong defense of a free press during her remarks, noting the rise of violence against reporters both internationally and in the United States.

Credit Todd Bookman/NHPR
Lulu Garcia-Navarro, host of NPR's Weekend Edition, delivering remarks during the N.H. Supreme Court Society event.

She urged newsrooms to expand their coverage of foreign affairs.

“We are living in an interconnected society, and an interconnected world. What happens in one place affects us all, and to stay engaged, I believe, is to honor the legacy of Jim Foley.”

Foley’s parents, Diane and John, were on hand to accept the award. The family launched the James Foley Legacy Foundation in their son’s honor. It focuses on the return of American hostages, and provides support for conflict journalists.

“We all need to look at ourselves and say, ‘do we have the moral courage to do the next right thing?”’ That was one of Jimmy’s biggest assets,” said John Foley.

“He often said, ‘I have physical courage, but if I don’t have the moral courage to do what might bring reprisal at a future date, then I really don’t have courage.’”

Todd started as a news correspondent with NHPR in 2009. He spent nearly a decade in the non-profit world, working with international development agencies and anti-poverty groups. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.
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