January 5, Washington, DC [US]: The highest civilian honor in the US, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, has been given to 19 people by US President Joe Biden. At the White House event on Saturday (local time), former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox, Bono of the music band U2, and the iconic retired basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson were among those who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

When her name was called during the event, the audience gave Hillary Clinton a standing ovation. George Soros, the founder of the Open Society Foundation, has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. On his behalf, his son Alex Soros received the honor.

The honor was given posthumously to former US Defense Secretary Ashton Baldwin Carter, former Attorney General Robert Francis Kennedy, former Michigan Governor George Romney, and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party Fannie Lou Hamer.

The Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein, Spanish-American chef Jose Andres, businessman Tim Gill, ethologist Jane Goodall, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, science educator William Sanford Nye, award-winning author, director, and playwright George Stevens Jr., and actor, director, and producer Anna Wintour are among the other recipients.

Lionel Messi of Argentine football was also included as one of the honorees. However, according to CBS News, which cited the White House, he was unable to attend because of schedule issues.

Before delivering the prizes, Biden gave a few short words in which he congratulated the honorees for their efforts to support the United States.

He continued, “For the final time as president, I have the honour of bestowing the medal of freedom on 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 so let me just say to each of you thank you thank you thank you for all you’ve done to help this country.”

Biden said that this group of individuals has a profound impact on the United States due to their global influence and wisdom.

He continued, “Together you leave an incredible Mark and I mean sincerely this group, you leave an incredible mark on our country with insight and influence that can be felt around the globe in major cities and remote areas alike binding us closer as people and showing us that what’s possible as a nation there’s nothing beyond our capacity while representing your families, your communities, your ancestors with pride and appreciation at the same time.”

In an earlier press release, the White House stated, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honour, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours.”

“Great leaders, in President Biden’s opinion, uphold moral principles, give everyone an equal opportunity, and prioritize decency.” These 19 people are outstanding leaders who have improved both the United States and the globe. It went on to say, “They are outstanding leaders because they are decent individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their nation and the globe.