On Saturday, Joe Biden will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 recipients, granting the top civilian award in the United States to entertainers, athletes, politicians, and diplomats.
Among those honoured by the departing US president are activist and singer Bono, basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson, veteran fashion editor Anna Wintour, soccer star Lionel Messi, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, along with fashion designer Ralph Lauren.
The White House stated, “The honourees are exceptional leaders as they are kind individuals who have made remarkable contributions to both their nation and globally.”
Among those recognized in this year’s selections are chef Jose Andres, the founder of the World Central Kitchen NGO, and primate researcher Jane Goodall, a prominent advocate for environmental issues.
Certain recipients chosen by the 82-year-old Democrat have a more political background, including billionaire investor and leftist benefactor George Soros — a sort of bogeyman for Republicans — and Hillary Clinton, the former first lady, senator, and US secretary of state who lost to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential race.
Soros received recognition for “backing organizations and initiatives globally that enhance democracy, human rights, education, and social justice,” as stated by the White House.
Clinton, in the meantime, “made history repeatedly over many years in public service,” notably as the first woman to be nominated by a major party for the US presidential election.
Biden also decided to grant a Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Robert Francis Kennedy, more commonly known as “Bobby” Kennedy or by his initials, “RFK.”
RFK was the US attorney general during his brother John F. Kennedy’s presidency and was murdered in 1968 while running for the Democratic presidential nomination.
“His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service,” Biden said in a statement.
