On a recent Saturday, President Joe Biden acknowledged a select group of individuals with the United States’ highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This recognition roster included high-profile names such as ex-Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and the renowned philanthropist Georg Soros, who is also a billionaire and political activist.
The ceremony, held at the Presidential residence, the White House, unveiled a total of 19 distinguished persons from various walks of life to be honored with the Medal of Freedon. His selections portrayed a rich tapestry of excellence across different spheres, including music, acting, culinary arts, science, and sports.
Famous personalities like Bono, U2’s lead singer, celebrated actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, culinary innovator Chef Jose? Andre?s, and the revered science communicator William Sanford Nye, fondly known as ‘Bill Nye the Science Guy’ were acknowledged for their remarkable contributions.
The sporting world was also represented at the event. Lionel Messi, the illustrious soccer player from Argentina, and basketball titan Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, who enjoyed a sterling career in the NBA before retirement, were both bestowed with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The selection of the recipients reflected the President’s belief in recognizing strong leadership that prioritizes integrity and equity. As the White House statement shared, ‘President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else.’ It went further to hail the recipients as influential leaders who have improved American society.
Four of the honorees were recognized posthumously, in recognition of their significant contributions during their lifetime. The list included former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights champion Fannie Lou Hamer, Robert F. Kennedy who previously served as U.S. Attorney General and U.S. senator from New York, and George Romney, an ex-Republican Michigan governor and chairman of American Motors Corporation.
Robert F. Kennedy’s legacy was particularly mentioned, as he was tragically assassinated while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination back in 1968. The collective impact of these posthumous honorees markedly shaped the American landscape in various aspects.
Georg Soros was chosen for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, marking a significant nod towards his extensive philanthropic efforts and considerable support toward liberal causes and the Democratic Party. Soros, originally from Hungary and of Jewish heritage, has made his fortunes through a successful career as a hedge fund manager.
Unsurprisingly, Soros’ selection also emphasizes his contentious role in political circles. Despite his contributions, he remains a lightning rod for criticism and the subject of conspiracy theories emanating from political conservatives.
Also among the distinguished recipients is Hillary Clinton, the former First Lady who served subsequent roles as a U.S. senator from New York and led the State Department during the Obama administration. Clinton’s unsuccessful run for the presidency in 2016 adds to her storied political life, further amplifying her receipt of this esteemed honor.
Prior to Saturday’s ceremony, Biden had already conferred the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second most prestigious civilian honor, to two significant political figures. Former Wyoming Republican Representative Liz Cheney and Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson from Mississippi were recognized for their pivotal roles in overseeing the Congressional committee that examined the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.
Besides Cheney and Thompson, a total of 20 individuals were recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal. The award ceremony, conducted earlier in the week, was a significant event in the Presidential calendar, reflecting the Biden administration’s commitment to acknowledging the contributions of pivotal figures throughout the nation.
The honored group from the Saturday event constitutes the second set of individuals to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom since Biden assumed office. Prior to this ceremony, the President had announced 19 recipients for this esteemed honor in May of his presidential year.
The earlier set of honorees in May included notable names like the previous Vice President, Al Gore, ex-New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Their recognition painted another layer of diversity in President Biden’s honorable medallion roll, as he seeks to celebrate the diverse excellence achieved across multiple facets of American society.
The duo of ceremonies thus far in Biden’s tenure, and the total count of honorees, underscore the President’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the tremendous work done by American citizens across various disciplines and sectors. It largely aligns with his administration’s overarching goal to foster unity, resilience, and a prosperous, inclusive America.
The distribution of these medals, therefore, not only celebrates the achievements of the awardees, but it also sends a strong signal to all Americans that hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to the common good are values that are recognized and rewarded at the highest level in the country.