President Joe Biden has paid tribute to 19 personalities influential by awarding them the Presidential Medal of Freedomthe highest civilian honor of the United States. During an official ceremony, he greeted figures who, each in their own way, contributed exceptionally to society.
This prize, awarded to personalities from various fields, rewards both individual excellence what commitment to the common good.
A tribute to commitment and inspiration
Among the winners were major political figures : former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, philanthropist George Soros and Robert F. Kennedy, honored posthumously.
Personalities of various fields were also rewarded. From fashion to sport, including culture and science, Joe Biden praised the trajectories inspiring and committed.
Renowned celebrities rewarded
Here are some of the winners who made history through their commitment and impact:
- Michael J. Fox – Actor and activist for Parkinson’s disease research
- Denzel Washington – Award-winning actor and Boys & Girls Clubs of America ambassador.
- Anna Wintour – Editor-in-chief of Vogue and fashion icon.
- Bono – Singer of the group U2 and committed activist.
- George Soros – Philanthropist and supporter of the Democratic Party.
- Magic Johnson – Basketball icon and HIV awareness activist.
- Jane Goodall – Primatologist and environmental activist.
- Ralph Lauren – Influential fashion designer.
- Lionel Messi – World famous footballer, who however was unable to attend the ceremony.
- Jose Andres – Chef and philanthropist, known for his humanitarian work with World Central Kitchen.
- Ashton B. Carter (posthumous) – Former Secretary of Defense and advocate for equality in the armed forces.
- Hillary Clinton – Former first lady, senator and secretary of state of the United States.
- Tim Gill – Tech entrepreneur and LGBTQ rights advocate.
- Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous) – Civil rights activist and co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
- Earvin “Magic” Johnson – Basketball legend, activist and HIV advocate.
- Robert F. Kennedy (posthumous) – United States Senator and Attorney General, assassinated in 1968.
- Bill Nye – Host of “Bill Nye the Science Guy”defender of science and the environment.
- George W. Romney (posthumous) – Former President of American Motors, Governor of Michigan and Secretary of Health.
- David M. Rubenstein – Billionaire, co-founder of the Carlyle group and patron of cultural projects.
A strong message for the future
Closing the ceremony, Joe Biden stressed that these distinctions honor as much personal journeys what collective contributions for a world fairer and more inclusive.
