January 4th 2025.
On a chilly Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden held a ceremony in the East Room of the White House where he presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 remarkable individuals. These recipients were chosen for their outstanding contributions in various fields such as politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science.
Among the honorees was former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who received a standing ovation from the crowd. She attended the event with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, her daughter Chelsea Clinton, and her grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington were also recognized with this prestigious award.
In his opening remarks, President Biden expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bestow the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, for the last time during his presidency. He acknowledged the extraordinary efforts of these individuals in shaping the culture and values of America.
Speaking directly to the recipients, Biden said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you have done to serve our country." Four medals were given posthumously to George W. Romney, a former governor of Michigan and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who played a crucial role in founding the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laying the foundation for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Biden shared a personal connection with Kennedy, calling him one of his political heroes and expressing his love and admiration for him. Romney, the father of former Utah Senator Mitt Romney, a vocal critic of President Trump, was also recognized for his contributions.
As Biden's term as President is coming to an end, he has been using his remaining days in office to honor and recognize deserving individuals. The Medal of Freedom recipients were chosen for their exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, and security of the United States, as well as their efforts towards world peace and other significant societal and public endeavors.
Among the distinguished honorees were Spanish American chef José Andrés, known for his World Central Kitchen charity, and Bono, the frontman of the rock band U2 and a passionate advocate for social justice. Philanthropist Alex Soros accepted the award on behalf of his father, George Soros, who expressed his gratitude for the honor as an immigrant who found freedom and success in America.
Sports and entertainment stars were also recognized, including professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who could not attend the ceremony, retired Los Angeles Lakers legend and businessman Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and actor Michael J. Fox, a vocal advocate for Parkinson's disease research.
Other deserving recipients included conservationist Jane Goodall, Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, filmmaker George Stevens Jr., entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill, and David Rubenstein, co-founder of a global investment firm.
Ralph Lauren made history as the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In the past, Biden has also awarded this honor to notable figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa.
As the Congressional Research Service reports, the Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded 654 times since its establishment in 1963. This award is a symbol of the highest honor and recognition that the President can bestow upon individuals who have made significant contributions to society and the nation.
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