President Biden Honors 19 Luminaries with Presidential Medal of Freedom

In a solemn ceremony held on Friday, President Joe Biden bestowed the nation's highest civilian accolade, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, upon a diverse group of 19 individuals whose contributions have significantly impacted American culture, politics, and society.

Among the distinguished honorees was former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, celebrated for her historic role as the first female speaker in 2007 and her instrumental efforts in advancing President Biden's key legislative achievements. Pelosi's staunch defense of democracy, particularly during the tumultuous events of the January 6 Capitol breach, was also lauded as part of her legacy.

Former Vice President Al Gore, a long-time proponent of climate change awareness, graciously accepted the medal. His dignified concession in the 2000 presidential election, along with his continued environmental advocacy, was highlighted during the ceremony. President Biden commented on Gore's presidential potential, a sentiment he also extended to another recipient, former Secretary of State John Kerry, who served as a climate envoy in the Biden administration.

Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina was recognized for his pivotal endorsement of Biden during the 2020 Democratic primary, which greatly contributed to Biden's eventual nomination and victory in the presidential race. Similarly, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was honored for his endorsement and support of Biden's campaign.

The late Medgar Evers, a revered civil rights figure and World War II veteran who was assassinated in 1963, received a posthumous tribute for his unwavering fight for equality. Other civil rights champions receiving the medal included LGBTQ activist Judy Shepard, Juneteenth proponent Opal Lee, and attorney Clarence Jones, who assisted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in drafting the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

In remembrance of his environmental efforts, the late Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey was posthumously awarded the medal. Similarly, Jim Thorpe, the first Native American to clinch a gold Olympic medal, was also honored posthumously.

The ceremony recognized Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, who made history as the first woman of Asian descent to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. In the field of science and space exploration, astronomer Jane Rigby and former NASA Johnson Space Center director Ellen Ochoa were both commended for their groundbreaking work.

Teresa Romero, the president of United Farm Workers, and Catholic priest Fr. Greg Boyle, renowned for his work against gang violence, were acknowledged for their significant societal contributions. Adding to the list of sports icons, Olympic swimming champion Katie Ledecky and long-time talk-show host Phil Donahue were among the recipients.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, serves to honor individuals who have contributed notably to the U.S. prosperity, values, security, world peace, or the betterment of society. Last year, President Biden awarded the medal to 17 individuals, including Simone Biles, the late Sen. John McCain, and gun-control advocate Gabby Giffords.