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1963年2月18日上午,白宫名人聚集,今天是美国国会授予冯·卡门“国家科学勋章”的日子。年迈的冯·卡门走下台阶时,因患有严重的关节炎而步履不稳,险些摔倒。年轻的总统肯尼迪赶紧走上前,一把将他扶住。老人抬头报以感激的微笑,继而轻轻推开总统伸出的手,淡淡地说:“总统先生,下坡而行者无须搀扶,惟独举足高攀者才求一臂之力。”一枚最高荣誉的勋章,一句含义双关的俏皮话,便是他那具有传奇色彩的人生写照。勋章标志着他在科技事业中的伟大功勋,而俏皮话则刻画了他那丰富多彩的个性品质及对科学事业的殷殷关切之心。
On the morning of February 18, 1963, the White House celebrities gathered and today is the day when the U.S. Congress awarded von Karman the National Science Medal. The elderly von Carmen walked down the steps, due to severe arthritis and walking instability, almost fell. Young President Kennedy hurried to the front, one to hold him. The old man looked up with a grateful smile and then gently pushed aside the hand extended by the president. He said: “” Mr. President, there is no need to go downhill and walk alone, but we should only give one foot to the top. “” One highest honor Medal, a mean double playful words, is his portrayal of legendary life. The medal marks his great contribution to science and technology, while the witticisms depict his rich and colorful character and earnest concern about the cause of science.