In a memorable ceremony held in the East Room of the White House on a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to an impressive group of 19 individuals, recognized across various fields such as politics, sports, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, entertainment, and science. Among the recipients were former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who drew a standing ovation as she accepted her medal, accompanied by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton, and grandchildren.

The ceremony also honored notable figures like George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington, both of whom received the nation's highest civilian honor at the event. Biden, during his opening remarks, emphasized the significance of the occasion by stating, "For the final time as president I have the honor [of] bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America."

In addition to the living recipients, four medals were awarded posthumously. The recipients included George W. Romney, a former governor of Michigan and secretary of housing and urban development; Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, the former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, a pivotal civil rights activist known for her founding role in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which played an essential part in the establishment of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Biden fondly recalled Kennedy, stating, "Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly."

The White House recognized the Medal of Freedom recipients for their "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” highlighting the significant achievements of philanthropists like José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen charity has gained global recognition for its food relief efforts, and Bono, the frontman of the rock band U2 and a prominent social justice advocate.

Notably, Soros’ son, Alex Soros, accepted the award on behalf of his father, expressing in an emailed statement, "As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor."

Other celebrated personalities included professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event; retired basketball icon Earvin "Magic" Johnson; and Michael J. Fox, who is well-known for his advocacy in Parkinson’s disease research. Additionally, Jane Goodall, longtime Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, renowned fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill were also acknowledged. Notably, Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the honor.

Last year's ceremony saw Biden bestowing the Medal of Freedom upon 19 individuals, including the late civil rights leader Medgar Evers and actress Michelle Yeoh. Since its inception, the Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, with notable past recipients including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa.

For more on this event, visit South China Morning Post and VOA News.