Updated Story: Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom 2025

4 Jan at 4:52 pm

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Updated Story: Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom 2025 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ In a heartfelt ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 prominent figures from politics, civil rights, entertainment, sports, and science. Honorees included Hillary Clinton, Denzel Washington, José Andrés, and Lionel Messi, among others. The ceremony, held in the East Room on a cold Saturday afternoon, marked one of Biden’s final acts as president.

Presidential Medal of Freedom 2025: Quick Looks

Major Honorees: Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Denzel Washington, Jane Goodall, and Magic Johnson.
Posthumous Recipients: Recognized George W. Romney, Robert F. Kennedy, Ash Carter, and Fannie Lou Hamer.
Historic Firsts: Ralph Lauren becomes the first fashion designer to receive the award.
Biden’s Message: Praised recipients for their “sacred effort” in shaping America’s culture and values.
Fields Represented: Politics, philanthropy, LGBTQ+ advocacy, civil rights, sports, and science.

Deep Look

A Ceremonial Farewell: Biden Bestows Presidential Medal of Freedom

In a poignant ceremony held in the East Room of the White House on a chilly Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society. The event, one of Biden’s final acts as president, underscored his administration’s focus on honoring diversity, service, and excellence across a wide range of fields.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is the nation’s highest civilian honor, celebrating those who have contributed to the prosperity, values, and security of the United States, as well as world peace and other significant endeavors.

Hillary Clinton Steals the Show

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received one of the loudest ovations of the day. Accompanied by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton, and grandchildren, Clinton was recognized for her decades of public service and advocacy for human rights. The moment was particularly significant as Clinton remains a trailblazing figure in American politics and diplomacy.

In his opening remarks, Biden praised the honorees for their “sacred effort” in shaping America’s culture and progress. “For the final time as president, I have the honor of bestowing the Medal of Freedom on extraordinary people who have profoundly impacted our nation,” Biden said.

Honoring Legacy: Posthumous Awards

Four medals were awarded posthumously, honoring individuals who made indelible marks on American history:

George W. Romney: Former governor of Michigan and U.S. secretary of housing and urban development, recognized for his contributions to public service.
Robert F. Kennedy: Former attorney general and senator, and a pivotal figure in American politics. Biden described Kennedy as “one of my true political heroes.”
Ash Carter: Former secretary of defense known for his innovative leadership in national security.
Fannie Lou Hamer: Civil rights icon and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, whose activism paved the way for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Celebrating Modern Philanthropy and Advocacy

The ceremony also honored contemporary figures who have advanced humanitarian causes and social justice:

José Andrés: The Spanish-American chef whose World Central Kitchen charity has become a global leader in food relief during crises.
Bono: The U2 frontman, lauded for his advocacy in social justice, humanitarian aid, and public health initiatives.

Alex Soros accepted the award on behalf of his father, philanthropist George Soros, who was unable to attend. In a statement, George Soros expressed gratitude: “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor.”

Spotlight on Sports and Entertainment

From the worlds of sports and entertainment, the honorees reflected excellence and advocacy:

Lionel Messi: The globally celebrated soccer star, honored for his impact on sports and philanthropy. Messi did not attend the event.
Magic Johnson: Retired NBA legend and successful entrepreneur, recognized for his contributions to sports and business.
Michael J. Fox: Actor and activist, whose work in Parkinson’s disease research has inspired millions.
Bill Nye: Known as “The Science Guy,” Nye received recognition for his dedication to science education and environmental advocacy.

Trailblazing in Fashion, Media, and LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Ralph Lauren: A fashion icon, Lauren became the first designer to receive the Medal of Freedom. His recognition highlights his impact on American culture and style.
Anna Wintour: Vogue’s editor-in-chief, acknowledged for her influence in fashion and global media.
Tim Gill: LGBTQ+ rights advocate and philanthropist, honored for advancing equality and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Other Notable Honorees

Additional recipients included:

Jane Goodall: Renowned primatologist and conservationist, recognized for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and her dedication to environmental preservation.
David Rubenstein: Co-founder of The Carlyle Group and a noted philanthropist.
George Stevens Jr.: Founder of the American Film Institute, lauded for his contributions to film preservation and cultural heritage.

A Storied Legacy of the Medal of Freedom

The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded 654 times since its inception, according to the Congressional Research Service. Past recipients include luminaries such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa. Biden has previously awarded the medal to notable figures such as Medgar Evers, Nancy Pelosi, and Michelle Yeoh.

Biden’s remarks reflected his gratitude and respect for the recipients’ achievements. “These individuals have not only shaped the America we know today but have also paved the way for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The Closing Chapter of Biden’s Presidency

As Biden prepares to leave office, the Medal of Freedom ceremony served as a reflective and celebratory moment. It highlighted the administration’s emphasis on recognizing contributions that span the political spectrum, diverse fields, and global impact.

The 2025 recipients embody the values of service, creativity, and resilience, offering inspiration to future generations. Biden’s final Medal of Freedom ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of American achievement.