Today, President Barack Obama named 21 recipients of the
Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the
Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made
especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of
the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public
or private endeavors. The awards will be presented at the White House on
November 22th.
President Obama said, "The
Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation's highest civilian honor -
it's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have
the opportunity to change this country for the better. From scientists,
philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these
21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people
around the world along the way."
This event will be streamed live at: www.whitehouse.gov/live.
The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Medal of
Freedom:
Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar
Elouise Cobell (posthumous)
Ellen DeGeneres
Robert De Niro
Richard Garwin
Bill and Melinda
Gates
Frank Gehry
Margaret H.
Hamilton
Tom Hanks
Grace Hopper (posthumous)
Michael Jordan
Maya Lin
Lorne Michaels
Newt Minow
Eduardo Padrón
Robert Redford
Diana Ross
Vin Scully
Bruce Springsteen
Cicely Tyson
