President Joe Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 recipients
WASHINGTON — In a historic ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden honored a diverse group of activists, astronauts, and Olympians with the highest civilian honor in the US, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Among the distinguished recipients was Jim Thorpe, the first Native American to win a gold medal, who passed away in 1953. The list also included Katie Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer in history, and prominent Democrats like former Vice-President Al Gore and former Secretary of State John Kerry, who recently served as US special climate envoy.
Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House Representatives, was commended by Mr. Biden as “the greatest Speaker” in history. Business magnate and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also recognized for his contributions.
The ceremony celebrated ground-breaking individuals such as Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space, and Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian to win a Best Actress Oscar. There was a moment of light-heartedness when Biden accidentally referred to Yeoh as “Michael Yeoh” before correcting himself.
Activists like Opal Lee, who advocated for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday, were honored, along with civil rights leaders Clarence B Jones, Medgar Evers, Gregory Boyle, and Judy Shepard. The medals recognize significant contributions to art, culture, and US society.
This year’s recipients also include Jane Rigby, chief scientist for the James Webb Telescope, the most powerful telescope in the world. President Biden’s gesture acknowledges the remarkable achievements and impact of these individuals on American society. — BBC
