On a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon in the East Room of the White House, President Joe Biden made the award: Presidential Medal of Freedom Up to 19 of the most famous people in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science.
Sports and entertainment stars honored included professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event. retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; Actor Michael J. Fox is an outspoken advocate for research and development into Parkinson’s disease. and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”
“Finally as President, I award our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom, to an extraordinary, truly extraordinary group of people who have dedicated their sacred efforts, divine efforts, to shaping our culture and our cause. Honor America,” Biden said in his opening remarks.
“I want to say to each and every one of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you’ve done to help this country,” Biden said Saturday.
former secretary of state Hillary Clinton When she received her medal, there was a standing ovation from the audience. Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton, and grandchildren. philanthropist of democracy george soros and actor and director denzel washington He was also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor at the White House ceremony.
Four medals were awarded posthumously. They visited George W. Romney, who served as both Michigan’s governor and secretary of housing and urban development. former attorney general and senator Robert F. Kennedy; Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. Fannie Lou Hamer founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the foundation for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Kennedy is the father of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services. “Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love him and I will miss him terribly,” Biden said.
Mr. Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Mr. Trump’s strongest conservative critics.
Biden has only a few days left in his presidency, and he has spent the last few days Issuance of awards and medals To our brave veterans, brave law enforcement officers, and outstanding Americans.
The White House said Medal of Freedom recipients have made “exemplary contributions to American prosperity, values, security, world peace, or other important social, public, or private endeavors.” .
Leading philanthropists to receive this award include Spanish-American chef Jose Andres. World Central Kitchen Charity has become one of the most recognized food relief organizations in the world. bonofrontman of rock band U2 and social justice activist.
Soros’ son Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father’s behalf. “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor,” Soros said in an emailed statement.
Other honorees include conservationist Jane Goodall; Anna Wintour was the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine for many years. American fashion designer Ralph Lauren;George Stevens Jr., founder of the American Film Institute. Entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill. and David Rubenstein, co-founder of the global investment firm The Carlyle Group.
Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive this honor.
Last year, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 19 peoplethe late Medgar Evers, Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, South Carolina Representative James Clyburn, and actor Michelle Yeoh.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times from 1963 to 2024. Notable past recipients of the Medal of Freedom include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa.
Associated Press reported.
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