Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on July 1 honored former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright with the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. The award recognizes exceptional service and personal sacrifice motivated by patriotism, good citizenship, and a sense of public responsibility.

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) mourns the passing of Abner Mikva, who served his country in all three branches of government -- as a Congressman from the Chicago area, as chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and as White House counsel under President Clinton. "Ab Mikva represented my hometown in Illinois," said NDI President Kenneth Wollack.

Senior NDI representatives met in Dhaka with the honorable prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, last month. The delegation was in Dhaka to discuss recent developments and the Institute’s programs in Bangladesh. The delegation met with the prime minister privately after attending an Iftar -- a meal eaten after sunset during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan -- at her residence.