Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 icons
President Joe Biden honored 19 individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. Among the recipients was former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, recognized for her contributions to the nation.
Biden highlighted the awardees’ significant impact on the USA’s progress and society. Other honorees included actor Michael J. Fox, Denzel Washington, U2’s Bono, and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi. Billionaire philanthropist George Soros also received the medal.
Posthumous awards were given to Robert F. Kennedy, civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and ex-Michigan Governor George W. Romney.
Biden also celebrated Dr. Jane Goodall for her conservation work, Magic Johnson for his basketball legacy, and chef José Andrés for his humanitarian efforts. The list included fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and science educator Bill Nye. LGBTQ activist Tim Gill, philanthropist David Rubenstein, and American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr. were also honored.
According to the White House, Lionel Messi could not attend the event due to prior commitments.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, recognizes outstanding contributions to national security, culture, or global peace. This year’s recipients exemplify excellence and dedication to public service, said President Biden during the ceremony.
