Magic Johnson, Lionel Messi among 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In the East Room of the White House on a particularly cold Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.

Recognized sports and entertainment stars, including professional football players Lionel Messiwho did not attend the event; in retirement Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, who is an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye, the Scientist.”

“For the last time as president, I have the honor of awarding the Order of Liberty, our nation’s highest civilian honor, to a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who have given their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape a culture and a cause.” America,” said Biden in his opening remarks.

“Let me 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 she received a standing ovation from the audience as she received her medal. Clinton was accompanied at the event by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington they were also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor at a White House ceremony.

Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to George W. Romney, who was both governor of Michigan and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork 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. Biden said: “Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love him and miss him dearly.”

Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney, one of Trump’s strongest conservative critics.

Biden has days left in the presidential office and has spent the last few days awarding of awards and medals to brave military veterans, courageous law enforcement officers and exceptional Americans.

The White House said Medal of Freedom recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, to world peace, or to other significant social, public, or private endeavors.”

Among the main philanthropists who received the award are the Spanish American chef Jose Andres, whose World Central Kitchen charity has become one of the world’s most recognized food aid organizations, and Bonofrontman of rock group U2 and social justice activist.

Soros’ son, Alex Soros, received the medal on his father’s behalf. In an emailed statement, Soros said: “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor.

Other honorees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour; American fashion designer Ralph Lauren; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of global investment firm Carlile Group.

Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive this honor.

Last year, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 peopleincluding the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actress Michelle Yeoh.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. Notable recipients of the Medal of Freedom in the past include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa.

Associated Press reports.

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