President Biden will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to 19 recipients, including notable figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Al Gore, and Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky. The awards will be presented at the White House, with the honorees recognized for their leadership and contributions to various fields. This marks the second time President Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with the latest round of recipients including individuals both living and deceased. The diverse group includes leaders in politics, activism, journalism, and sports, among others.
Among the recipients of the 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom are Michael Bloomberg, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who served three terms as mayor of New York City, and Father Gregory J. Boyle, a Jesuit Catholic priest known for his work with gang rehabilitation and re-entry programs. Other honorees include Rep. Jim Clyburn, a long-serving South Carolina Democrat in the House of Representatives, and Elizabeth Dole, a former North Carolina senator who also held key positions in the Reagan and Bush administrations. The list also includes posthumous awards for individuals like civil rights activist Medgar Wiley Evers and former senator Frank R. Lautenberg, who were recognized for their contributions to social justice and environmental protection.
Al Gore, the former vice president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is among the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honored for his leadership on climate change issues. The list also features Clarence B. Jones, a renowned civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in drafting Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic speeches, and John Kerry, a decorated war veteran who served as Secretary of State under President Obama. Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky is recognized for her unparalleled success, with seven Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship gold medals to her name, making her the most decorated female swimmer in history.
Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space and a former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is among the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as speaker of the House and a trailblazer in American politics, is also honored for her historic achievements. The list includes individuals like Teresa Romero, president of the United Farm Workers, and Judy Shepard, the co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, created in memory of her son who was the victim of a hate crime. The recipients also include Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian actress to win an Academy Award for best actress.
The diverse group of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients reflects a wide range of accomplishments and contributions to American society. From political leaders and activists to scientists and athletes, these individuals have made lasting impacts in their respective fields and beyond. President Biden’s recognition of their achievements underscores the value of community, hard work, and service, highlighting the importance of leadership and dedication in shaping a better America. The awards ceremony at the White House showcases the remarkable accomplishments of these honorees, celebrating their legacies and honoring their commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
