Outgoing President Joe Biden has presented America’s highest civilian award to 19 people, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, football superstar Lionel Messi, controversial philanthropist George Soros and actor Denzel Washington for their contributions to America and the world.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have contributed to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant social, public, or private endeavors.
US President Joe Biden awards Medal of Freedom to actor Denzel Washington
Photo courtesy: AFP
Due to a scheduling conflict, Argentine football star Messi could not appear in person at the White House to receive the award from the US President.
“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 devoted their efforts, their sacred Gave effort. America,” Biden said at a glittering ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
Spanish-American chef José Andrés, Irish singer-songwriter and activist Bono, Canadian-American activist and retired actor Michael J. Fox, entrepreneur, philanthropist and LGBTQ rights activist Tim Gill and famed retired basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson were also among them. Award Recipient.
American film star Michael J Fox honored with Medal of Freedom
Photo courtesy: AFP
“This group of people leaves an indelible mark on our country with insight and influence that can be felt in major cities and remote walks of life around the world, drawing us closer as a people and showing us That’s what’s possible as a nation, nothing except our potential,” Biden said.
“As cultural icons, … humanitarians, rock stars, sports stars, you feed the hungry, you give hope to those who suffer, and you shape the signs and sounds of our movements and our memories. It’s amazing… you inspire, and you will bring healing and joy to so many people who would otherwise be touched,” the President said.
Biden said, “You answer the call to serve and lead others to do the same. You defend America’s values, even when they are under attack, as they Have been.”
Irish singer-songwriter and activist Bono receives Medal of Freedom
Photo courtesy: AFP
Fannie Lou Hamer, who transformed the struggle for racial justice in America, Ashton Carter, who served as the 25th Secretary of Defense, Robert Francis Kennedy, who is remembered as an attorney general who fiercely fought racial segregation and George W. Romney, a businessman who served. The chairman and president of American Motors Corporation was honored posthumously.
The medals were received by his family members.
Hillary Clinton was the only recipient of a standing ovation.
“As a lawyer, she defended the rights of children. As First Lady, she fought for universal health care and declared that women’s rights are human rights,” a military aide read the citation when she received the President’s The medal was awarded by.
“As Senator, he helped rebuild New York after September 11, 2001. As Secretary of State, he advocated for democracy around the world. His nomination for president broke barriers and inspired generations Through it all, his career has been dedicated to one eternal truth: America’s ideals are sacred and we must always protect them and live up to them.
Alex Soros accepted the award on behalf of his father George Soros, an investor, philanthropist and founder of the Open Society Foundations.
Alex Soros accepted the award on behalf of his father George Soros
Photo courtesy: AFP
The citation read by the military aide read, “Born to a Jewish family in Hungary, George Soros escaped the Nazi occupation to live a life of freedom for himself and countless others around the world.”
It says, “After being educated in England he settled in the US as he became an investor and philanthropist supporting the key pillars of an open society, rights and justice, equality and equity, freedom now and the future.” I will support.”
“As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply touched by this honor,” George Soros said in a statement.
He said, “I accept it on behalf of the many people around the world with whom the Open Society Foundations has shared purpose over the past 40 years.”
However, Biden was criticized by Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters and Republican leadership for giving the award to Soros.
“Giving George Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom is another slap in the face of America after commuting the murderers’ sentences and pardoning his son. 16 days is a long time until the inauguration. What is he capable of doing next? January 20 Republican leader Nikki Haley said, “It will not come so soon.”
Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana told The New York Post, “George Soros spent millions electing politicians who were soft on crime, who then allowed criminals to wreak havoc in our major cities.”
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk said Biden awarding the Medal of Freedom to Soros is a “joke.” Alex, who received the award on behalf of his father, said his father is an American patriot who has spent his life fighting for freedom and human rights.
It’s a travesty that Biden is giving the Medal of Freedom to Soros
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) 4 January 2025
The White House on George Soros said, “Through his network of foundations, partners, and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros focuses on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.” 94 year old Soros has spoken openly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent times. The ruling BJP believes that he tried to interfere in Indian elections.
Other award winners include conservationist Jane Goodall; Anna Wintour, the longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine; American fashion designer Ralph Lauren; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; Scientist Bill Nye and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm.
American fashion designer awarded the Medal of Freedom
Photo courtesy: AFP
Former President Bill Clinton, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, several members of his Cabinet and several celebrities were present in the East Room of the White House during the awards ceremony on Saturday afternoon.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
