US President Joe Biden will award the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to 19 notable figures in a White House ceremony on Saturday. The recipients include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros, and actor-director Denzel Washington.
The award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country’s prosperity, values, or security, as well as world peace and other societal endeavors. Four medals will be awarded posthumously, honoring figures such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Robert F. Kennedy, George W. Romney, and Ash Carter.
Other notable recipients include philanthropists José Andrés and Bono, sports stars Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and entertainment personalities Michael J. Fox and Bill Nye. The list also includes conservationist Jane Goodall, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and entrepreneur Tim Gill.
Last year’s award saw a similar number of recipients, including the late Medgar Evers, Nancy Pelosi, James Clyburn, and Michelle Yeoh.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/biden-medal-of-freedom-clinton-soros-denzel-washington-4b19a363d3058ac3b8107e2002b93651