Chicago – January 04, 2025
President Joe Biden honored 19 distinguished individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, in a White House ceremony on Saturday. Among the recipients are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and philanthropist George Soros, recognized for their contributions to society.
The group also includes notable figures from various fields. In entertainment, U2’s Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, and TV personality Bill Nye received medals. From the culinary world, chef José Andrés was honored.
Sports legends were not left out, with Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi and NBA icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson both receiving the prestigious award. The White House praised the awardees as leaders who “keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” contributing significantly to bettering America.
The ceremony also paid tribute to four posthumous honorees: former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, and political figures Robert F. Kennedy and George Romney, each remembered for their impactful legacies in public service and civil rights.
