Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Saturday honored 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, at the White House.
“For the last time as President I have the honor of presenting the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, to a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people who have given their sacred effort to shape the culture and purpose of America ” Biden said at the ceremony.
Who received the Independence Medal?
He awarded the medal to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Democratic billionaire philanthropist George Soros, who was represented by his son Alex Soros.
Fashion icon Anna Wintour, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox and rock band U2 frontman Bono were also presented with awards. As was William Nye, known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy”.
Biden honored basketball Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships, and soccer superstar Lionel Messi, among others.
The remaining recipients included fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Spanish American chef and philanthropist José Andrés, and conservationist Jane Goodall.
Several posthumous medals were also awarded. Robert F. Kennedy, father of Trump ally Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and George W. Romney, father of Mitt Romney, one of Trump’s biggest conservative opponents.
Messi did not attend the awards ceremony
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who won football’s most famous individual award, the Ballon d’Or, eight times, is the first male footballer and the first Argentine player to receive the medal.
Messi did not attend the ceremony. His representatives said in a statement that the football star was unable to attend due to prior commitments.
The Argentine World Cup winner now plays for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer in the US, a team co-owned by former England captain David Beckham.
A White House statement said Messi was honored as “the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer.”
It added, “He supports health care and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”
According to a White House statement, the medal is awarded “to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant social, public, or private endeavors.”
Previous recipients include Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa.
eat/now (AP, AFP)
