Washington:
Outgoing President Joe Biden has presented America's highest civilian honor to 19 people, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, soccer 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 civic, public or private endeavors.
US President Joe Biden has awarded actor Denzel Washington the Medal of Freedom
Photo credit: AFP
Due to a scheduling conflict, Argentinian football star Messi was unable to come to the White House in person to receive the award from the US president.
“For the last time as President, I am honored to present the Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian honor, to a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people who have made their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to advance the culture and the cause of shaping America,” Biden said during a glittering meeting in the East Room of the White House.
Spanish-American chef Jose Andres, Irish singer-songwriter and activist Bono, Canadian-American activist and retired actor Michael J Fox, entrepreneur, philanthropist and LGBTQ rights activist Tim Gill and legendary retired basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson were also among the recipients of the award.
American film star Michael J Fox received the Medal of Freedom
Photo credit: AFP
“This group of people is leaving an incredible mark on our country with insight and influence that can be felt across the world in major cities and remote areas of life. capacity,” Biden said.
“As cultural icons, humanitarians, rock stars, sports stars, you feed the hungry, give hope to those in pain, and create the signs and sounds of our movements and our memories. It's amazing… you inspire, and you bringing healing and joy to so many lives that would otherwise go untouched,” the President said.
“You answer the call to serve and inspire others to do the same. You defend America's values even when they're under attack, whatever that has been,” Biden said, before presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Irish singer-songwriter and activist Bono receives the Medal of Freedom
Photo credit: AFP
Fannie Lou Hamer, who transformed the fight for racial justice in America, Ashton Carter, who served as the 25th Secretary of Defense, Robert Francis Kennedy, remembered as an attorney general who fiercely fought racial segregation, and George W. Romney, a businessman who served as Minister of Defense. the chairman and president of American Motors Corporation, were posthumously honored.
The medals were received by their family members.
Hillary Clinton was the only recipient to receive 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 quote as the president presented her with the medal.
'As a senator, she helped New York rebuild after September 11, 2001. As Secretary of State, she defended democracy worldwide. Her appointment as president broke barriers and inspired generations. Through it all, her career has been dedicated to an eternal truth. ideals are sacred, and we must always defend and live by them,” the quote said.
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 credit: AFP
“Born to a Jewish family in Hungary, George Soros escaped Nazi occupation to build a life of freedom for himself and countless others around the world,” said the quote as read by the military aide.
“Educated in England, he settled in America as he became an investor and philanthropist supporting the key pillars of open societies, rights and justice, equality and equality, freedom now and in the future,” the report said.
“As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor,” George Soros said in a statement.
“I accept it on behalf of the many people around the world with whom the Open Society Foundations have shared common purpose over the past forty years,” he said.
However, Biden was criticized by Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters and Republican leaders for awarding the award to Soros.
“Giving the Presidential Medal of Freedom to George Soros is another slap in the face for America after it reduced sentences for murderers and pardoned his son. 16 days is a long time until the inauguration. What else can he do now? That can't happen soon enough,” Republican leader Nikki Haley said.
“George Soros has spent millions electing soft-on-crime politicians who will wreak havoc on criminals in our major cities,” Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy told The New York Post.
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk said Biden giving Soros the Medal of Freedom is a “mockery.” Alex, who received the award on behalf of his father, said his father is an American patriot who fought for freedom and human rights all his life.
A travesty that Biden gives Soros the Medal of Freedom https://t.co/LGvGe8kqKE
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 4, 2025
Of George Soros, the White House said: “Through his network of foundations, partners and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros has focused on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education and social justice.” Soros, 94, has openly spoken out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the recent past. The ruling BJP believes he tried to interfere in the Indian elections.
Other winners include conservationist Jane Goodall; Anna Wintour, former 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 global investment firm The Carlyle Group.
American fashion designer awarded the Medal of Freedom
Photo credit: AFP
Former President Bill Clinton, several of his Cabinet members, including Defense Secretary Loyd Austin, and several celebrities were present in the East Room of the White House during the awards ceremony Saturday afternoon.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
