Biden Honors 19 Exceptional Americans with Presidential Medal of Freedom
In a poignant ceremony at the White House, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 remarkable individuals who have made indelible marks on American society. The Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, recognizes extraordinary contributions to national security, world peace, culture, and other significant public or private endeavors ¹.
The awardees, whose paths to success are as diverse as their achievements, were praised by President Biden for their relentless pursuit of excellence, innovative spirit, and commitment to the greater good. From trailblazing politicians and civil rights activists to visionary entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes, this year's recipients embody the very best of American values.
The 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients include:
- *Michael R. Bloomberg*, the entrepreneur, philanthropist, and three-term mayor of New York City, who revolutionized the financial information industry and transformed the city's education, environment, and public health systems ¹.
- *Gregory J. Boyle*, the Jesuit Catholic priest and founder of Homeboy Industries, the world's largest gang-intervention and rehabilitation program ¹.
- *James E. Clyburn*, the former Assistant Democratic Leader and Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives, who has spent three decades fighting for the rights of marginalized communities ¹.
- *Elizabeth Dole*, the trailblazing politician and former United States Senator, Secretary of Transportation, and Secretary of Labor, who has dedicated her life to public service and advocating for military families and caregivers ¹.
- *Phil Donahue*, the renowned journalist and television pioneer, who broke new ground with his issue-oriented talk show and helped shape the national conversation on pressing social issues ¹.
- *Medgar Wiley Evers*, the civil rights icon who fought tirelessly against segregation in Mississippi, and whose legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders ¹.
- *Al Gore*, the former Vice President and Nobel laureate, who has spent decades advocating for climate action and environmental protection ¹.
- *Clarence B. Jones*, the civil rights activist and lawyer, who played a key role in drafting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech ¹.
- *John Forbes Kerry*, the former Secretary of State and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, who has dedicated his life to public service and promoting American diplomacy and leadership on the world stage ¹.
- *Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky*, the world-class swimmer and Olympic champion, who has shattered records and inspired countless young athletes with her remarkable talent and dedication ¹.
- *Opal Lee*, the educator and activist, who fought to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday and continues to advocate for racial justice and equality ¹.
- *Ellen Ochoa*, the pioneering astronaut and engineer, who became the first Hispanic woman in space and has inspired generations of young women and girls to pursue careers in STEM fields ¹.
- *Nancy D'Alesandro Pelosi*, the trailblazing politician and former Speaker of the House, who has spent decades fighting for women's rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and social justice ¹.
- *Jane Rigby*, the renowned astrophysicist, who has made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the universe and continues to inspire young scientists and researchers ¹.
- *Teresa Romero*, the labor leader and advocate, who has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights and dignity of farmworkers and marginalized communities ¹.
- *Judy Shepard*, the activist and advocate, who has worked tirelessly to promote LGBTQ+ rights and equality, and to honor the memory of her son Matthew, who was tragically murdered in a hate crime ¹.
- *James Francis Thorpe*, the legendary athlete and Olympic champion, who broke down racial barriers and inspired generations of athletes and leaders with his remarkable talent and perseverance ¹.
- *Michelle Yeoh*, the acclaimed actress and artist, who has shattered stereotypes and glass ceilings with her remarkable talent and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts ¹.
As President Biden noted in his remarks, these individuals have not only achieved greatness in their respective fields but have also inspired countless others to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on the world. Their contributions serve as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential of the American spirit and the enduring power of courage, perseverance, and determination.
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