President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to 19 notable individuals, including leaders from politics, sports, and civil activism, in a ceremony held on Friday. The diverse group of recipients featured such prominent figures as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Al Gore, and Olympic champion Katie Ledecky. Biden commended the honorees for their contributions to the nation, highlighting their “relentless curiosity, inventiveness, ingenuity and hope.”
During the ceremony, Biden also subtly addressed political issues, contrasting Al Gore’s gracious concession after the 2000 presidential election with former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results. The president lauded Pelosi as the “greatest speaker of the House of Representatives,” referencing her role during the January 6 Capitol attack. The award was also given posthumously to individuals such as Medgar Wiley Evers and James Francis Thorpe, recognizing their enduring impacts on American history and culture.
The awards also acknowledged contributions in various fields including environmental protection, space exploration, and civil rights. Among others, recipients included Michael Bloomberg, Father Gregory J. Boyle, and actress Michelle Yeoh, each honored for their exceptional service and leadership. This year’s ceremony marked the second instance of President Biden bestowing these prestigious medals during his administration.
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