President Joe Biden recently presided over the final Medal of Freedom ceremony of his presidency, bestowing the nation's highest civilian honor upon a distinguished group of 19 individuals. The recipients hailed from various fields, including politics, fashion, entertainment, and sports.
Among the notable honorees were former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, renowned designer Ralph Lauren, and iconic U2 frontman Bono. In his remarks, President Biden highlighted how these individuals exemplify the nation's motto of 'E Pluribus Unum,' or 'out of many, one,' and encouraged them to continue their impactful work.
During the ceremony, Clinton received a standing ovation for her global advocacy of democracy and her groundbreaking presidential nomination. Actor Michael J. Fox, known for his acclaimed performances, was assisted to the stage by a military aide, while NBA legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson elicited laughter from the audience by playfully crouching down when receiving his medal.
In a touching tribute, President Biden posthumously honored former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and former Michigan Republican Governor George Romney, father of Senator Mitt Romney. Kerry Kennedy accepted the award on behalf of her late father, Robert F. Kennedy.
Notably absent from the ceremony was soccer superstar Lionel Messi, who was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, according to the White House.
The Medal of Freedom ceremony served as a poignant recognition of the diverse contributions made by these esteemed individuals across various spheres of society. President Biden's gesture underscored the importance of honoring those who have made a lasting impact on the nation and the world at large.
