President Joe Biden awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to 19 Americans in a diverse and prestigious ceremony on Friday. The list of honorees included political allies, celebrities, civil rights leaders, and even one of his former political rivals-turned-financial backer.
Among the recipients were former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, both key allies of Biden in Congress. Pelosi, the first woman to serve as speaker of the House, was praised by Biden for her courage in defending democracy during the January 6 insurrection. Clyburn, credited with helping Biden secure the Democratic nomination in 2020, was hailed by the president as instrumental to his success.
Other notable honorees included former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, actress Michelle Yeoh, and former Vice President Al Gore. The medal is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States.
Biden also honored three posthumous recipients, including civil rights activist Medgar Evers and legendary athlete Jim Thorpe. The diverse group of honorees represented a wide range of fields, from astronomy to sports to civil rights activism.
In a statement, the White House praised the recipients as the “pinnacle of leadership in their fields” and highlighted their contributions to shaping America for the better. This ceremony marked Biden’s second large tranche of medal awards, following a similar event in 2022.
The prestigious event was a celebration of American excellence and a recognition of the impact these individuals have had on the country’s history and future.