On a significant day in the nation’s history, President Joe Biden awarded his final Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, to a group of 18 distinguished individuals.
Among the honorees were renowned figures from various fields, including acclaimed actor Denzel Washington, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Irish rock musician Bono, the renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, and celebrated actor and advocate Michael J. Fox.
The ceremony, held in the East Room of the White House, was a grand event, attended by family members, friends, and various dignitaries, creating an atmosphere of warmth and appreciation for the remarkable achievements of the recipients.
A particularly poignant moment in the ceremony occurred when President Biden awarded a posthumous Medal of Freedom to Robert F. Kennedy, the late senator and activist.
His family was present to honor his legacy, with several of Robert F. Kennedy’s children, including Kathleen Kennedy, in attendance. In a moment of lightheartedness, President Biden quipped, “Anyone not a Kennedy stand up?” adding a touch of humor to the event.
The absence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known figure in American politics and President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, was notable.
Despite the absence, the ceremony continued with an air of reverence and celebration for the other honorees.
Among the distinguished recipients, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation as she graciously accepted her medal.
Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, was seated in the audience, beside First Lady Jill Biden, showing their unwavering support.
The moment captured the unity and respect that surrounded Clinton’s contributions to public service. The ceremony was rich in emotion as those honored reflected the diversity of contributions to American society, spanning across politics, entertainment, and philanthropic efforts.
One of the most memorable moments during the ceremony came when basketball legend Magic Johnson, towering over President Biden, knelt down so the President could place the Medal of Freedom around his neck.
The deep respect and camaraderie between the two were evident, and following the medal presentation, Johnson embraced President Biden in a warm hug, showing the personal bond between them.
A similar touching moment followed when actor Denzel Washington received his medal. After the ceremony, Washington also expressed his gratitude to President Biden with a heartfelt hug.
Other prominent figures from the entertainment industry were also recognized, including Bill Nye, affectionately known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” who has made significant contributions to science education.
George Stevens Jr., the founder of the American Film Institute and the Kennedy Center Honors, was likewise honored for his contributions to the cultural landscape.
Michael J. Fox, celebrated for his work both as an actor and as an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research, received special recognition.
The honor was not only for his acting career but also for his advocacy efforts, as he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease through his foundation.
When Michael J. Fox received his award, Bono, the iconic lead singer of U2, was quick to offer a gesture of congratulations, giving Fox a friendly squeeze on the shoulder as a sign of respect and support.
The camaraderie among the honorees was palpable throughout the ceremony, as each recipient shared a sense of mutual admiration for one another.
As reporters filed in to cover the event, Bono, known for his quick wit, greeted them with a joke, quipping, “It was really good. You didn’t miss anything,” adding a touch of humor to the proceedings.
However, not all honorees were able to attend the ceremony in person. The world-renowned soccer player Lionel Messi was listed as one of the recipients but was absent due to a scheduling conflict.
His name was not read aloud during the ceremony, and the White House pool reporter later clarified that this was simply an issue with scheduling, which meant that Messi could not attend to accept the award in person.
Another absence was that of George Soros, the billionaire philanthropist and Democratic megadonor.
Soros has been a frequent target of right-wing criticism and antisemitic conspiracy theories, but his contributions to political causes, including his extensive philanthropic work, were recognized with the Medal of Freedom.
In his place, his son, Alex Soros, accepted the medal on his behalf, symbolizing the continuation of the Soros family’s commitment to charitable and progressive causes.
While George Soros has been a divisive figure, particularly among conservative circles, his selection as a recipient was in line with the tradition of honoring individuals whose contributions align with the values of the sitting president.
Biden’s selection of George Soros for the Medal of Freedom is consistent with a pattern observed in past administrations, where individuals with strong ties to political causes or major donors are recognized.
During President Donald Trump’s administration, similar honors were awarded to individuals like Rush Limbaugh and Miriam Adelson, a physician and philanthropist, and wife of GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson.
These choices reflect the political landscape at the time and demonstrate the role of donor recognition in the Medal of Freedom selections.
Among the other honorees was fashion icon Anna Wintour, who has long been known for her influence in the fashion industry as well as her involvement in various fundraising efforts.
Wintour, who has made significant contributions to the arts and philanthropy, was recognized for her impact beyond just fashion.
After receiving her award, Wintour paused to shake the hand of Ralph Lauren, another honoree, further highlighting the mutual respect and admiration shared among the recipients.
Philanthropist José Andrés, known for his humanitarian work through his organization, World Central Kitchen, was also among those honored.
Andrés has provided critical support during humanitarian crises by providing meals to those affected by disasters. His work has saved lives and brought attention to the importance of community-driven relief efforts.
Tim Gill and David Rubenstein, both notable philanthropists, were also awarded for their respective contributions to charitable causes, cementing their places as influential figures in American society.
Several other individuals were honored posthumously or accepted the award on behalf of late loved ones. Mitt Romney, the Republican senator from Utah, accepted the Medal of Freedom for his late father, George Romney, a former governor of Michigan.
Similarly, Stephanie Carter accepted the medal for her late husband, Ash Carter, who served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Doris Hamer Richardson accepted for her late aunt, Fannie Lou Hamer, a trailblazing civil rights activist who fought tirelessly for racial justice and equality.
These posthumous honors were poignant moments in the ceremony, acknowledging the enduring legacies of those who have shaped American history.
The ceremony, which was filled with laughter, applause, and moving tributes, demonstrated the diverse ways in which individuals can contribute to society.
From politics to entertainment, from activism to philanthropy, the 18 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom represent the highest ideals of American society.
Their accomplishments remind us that service to others, whether through action, words, or dedication, is a hallmark of true leadership and a lasting legacy.
The event was not just a celebration of individual achievements but also a testament to the collective impact of those who shape the nation’s future.
