McDermott knighted by king of Lesotho

Jim McDermott, congressman and doctor, has added another title: knight.

McDermott, D-Wash., was knighted by the king of Lesotho during an Aug. 22 ceremony at the Royal Palace in Maseru, his office said Friday.

"His Majesty Letsie III, by the Grace of God, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Lesotho, is pleased by these presents to appoint Jim McDermott Knight Commander of The Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe," the official citation reads.

According to Lesotho officials, Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe recognizes distinguished leadership, particularly in the political sphere.

The knighthood acknowledges the Seattle lawmaker's leadership on the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which has enabled Lesotho to become the No. 1 African exporter of apparel to the United States. McDermott sponsored the act, which has directly created 50,000 jobs in Lesotho, his office said.

During the official ceremony, King Letsie draped a symbolic ribbon across McDermott, as the congressman's wife, Therese Hansen, and Lesotho officials looked on.

McDermott said he appreciated the recognition.

"I represent Seattle, Washington, named for Chief Si'ahl, the inspired leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish Native American Tribes," McDermott said in a statement. "A century ago, the great tribal chief said: 'We did not weave the web of life. We are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.' "

McDermott added: "Through legislation like AGOA, we've made a positive difference in Africa and in the lives of countless Africans. On behalf of Seattle and our nation, we've been a force of good in the world, and that is something I am very proud of."

Former President Clinton has been similarly honored in Lesotho.