Staff Reports
President Joe Biden recently announced that he will be awarding the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom to a group of individuals, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Al Gore, and Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky. The award ceremony, set to take place at the White House, will include 17 other recipients who have made significant contributions to the United States.
The White House described the 19 honorees as individuals who have formed coalitions, movements, and businesses that have shaped the country for the better. The medal is given to those who have made exemplary contributions to America’s prosperity, values, and security, as well as world peace and other significant societal endeavors.
Biden to honor Democratic bigwigs at White House with Presidential Medal of Freedom https://t.co/jit8e6nMP6 https://t.co/jit8e6nMP6
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) May 3, 2024
Among the recipients are former Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg, civil rights activist Rev. Greg Boyle, and former Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn. Additionally, the list includes former North Carolina GOP Senator Elizabeth Dole, journalist Phil Donahue, and the late civil rights leader Medgar Evers, who will receive the award posthumously.
Other recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom include former Secretary of State John Kerry, astronaut Ellen Ochoa, and actress Michelle Yeoh. The ceremony will also honor Opal Lee, an activist known for her efforts to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday, and Teresa Romero, the president of the United Farm Workers.
This event is a testament to the president’s commitment to honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. The recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom have each played a role in shaping America and upholding its values. President Biden’s decision to bestow this honor upon these individuals serves as a celebration of their accomplishments and a recognition of their impact on the nation.
