Washington, D.C., Jan 05, (V7N) - On a chilly Saturday afternoon in the East Room of the White House, President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 exceptional individuals from various fields, including politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science. This prestigious award is the nation's highest civilian honor, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the country and the world.

The ceremony included emotional moments, such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton receiving the medal, which garnered a standing ovation from the audience. Clinton was accompanied by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea, and grandchildren. Other recipients included philanthropist George Soros, actor-director Denzel Washington, and global chef José Andrés, known for his World Central Kitchen charity, which provides food relief worldwide.

Posthumous Awards and Key Honorees
The ceremony also honored four posthumous recipients: George W. Romney, former Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; Robert F. Kennedy, former Attorney General and U.S. senator, and father of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, a pivotal civil rights activist and co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.

Biden took a moment to reflect on Robert F. Kennedy's legacy, calling him one of his "true political heroes," while also remembering George W. Romney as the father of Mitt Romney, the Utah senator known for his opposition to former President Donald Trump.

Philanthropists and Public Figures
Among the honorees, José Andrés and U2 frontman Bono received recognition for their philanthropic work. Andrés, through his World Central Kitchen, has provided emergency food relief across the globe. Bono, known for his music career, has also made significant contributions to social justice causes.

Other recipients included sports icons such as soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend, basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and actor Michael J. Fox, who is an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research. Science educator Bill Nye, known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” also received the honor.

Notable Figures in Fashion and Media
For the first time, a fashion designer received the medal—Ralph Lauren, a celebrated American designer. Other figures from the arts and media included conservationist Jane Goodall, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.

A Historic Honor
The White House described the recipients as individuals who have made exemplary contributions to American prosperity, values, and security, as well as global peace and societal endeavors. Biden reflected on the significance of the honor, stating, “Thank you for all you’ve done to help this country.”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded 654 times since its inception in 1963, with past honorees including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa.

This prestigious award is the nation's highest civilian honor, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the country and the world.

The ceremony included emotional moments, such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton receiving the medal, which garnered a standing ovation from the audience. Clinton was accompanied by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea, and grandchildren. Other recipients included philanthropist George Soros, actor-director Denzel Washington, and global chef José Andrés, known for his World Central Kitchen charity, which provides food relief worldwide.

Posthumous Awards and Key Honorees
The ceremony also honored four posthumous recipients: George W. Romney, former Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; Robert F. Kennedy, former Attorney General and U.S. senator, and father of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, a pivotal civil rights activist and co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.

Biden took a moment to reflect on Robert F. Kennedy's legacy, calling him one of his "true political heroes," while also remembering George W. Romney as the father of Mitt Romney, the Utah senator known for his opposition to former President Donald Trump.

Philanthropists and Public Figures
Among the honorees, José Andrés and U2 frontman Bono received recognition for their philanthropic work. Andrés, through his World Central Kitchen, has provided emergency food relief across the globe. Bono, known for his music career, has also made significant contributions to social justice causes.

Other recipients included sports icons such as soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend, basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and actor Michael J. Fox, who is an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research. Science educator Bill Nye, known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” also received the honor.

Notable Figures in Fashion and Media
For the first time, a fashion designer received the medal—Ralph Lauren, a celebrated American designer. Other figures from the arts and media included conservationist Jane Goodall, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.

A Historic Honor
The White House described the recipients as individuals who have made exemplary contributions to American prosperity, values, and security, as well as global peace and societal endeavors. Biden reflected on the significance of the honor, stating, “Thank you for all you’ve done to help this country.”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded 654 times since its inception in 1963, with past honorees including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa.

END/SMA/RH/