President Joe Biden is set to bestow the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom upon 19 individuals this Saturday, recognizing their outstanding contributions across various fields such as politics, culture, and the arts.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, presented to individuals who have significantly impacted the nation's prosperity, values, security, world peace, or other societal endeavors.
The diverse group of honorees includes former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, renowned designer Ralph Lauren, soccer legend Lionel Messi, philanthropist George Soros, and U2 frontman Bono, among others.
Notably, the late former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and former Michigan Governor George Romney will be posthumously honored for their contributions to American politics.
President Biden's decision to award Clinton comes after a history of mutual admiration between the two Democratic leaders, with the Clintons previously honoring Biden with the Clinton Global Citizen Award.
Other notable recipients include celebrity chef José Andrés for his humanitarian work, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, and basketball icon Earvin 'Magic' Johnson.
In the realm of science, Biden will recognize climate advocate Bill Nye and renowned conservationist Jane Goodall for their significant contributions to their respective fields.
The list of honorees also features posthumous awards for civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer and former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, as well as LGBT advocate Tim Gill and private equity leader David Rubenstein.
The awards ceremony will celebrate the exceptional achievements of these individuals who have made lasting impacts on American society and the world at large.
