Seventeen people, including actor Denzel Washington, gymnast Simone Biles, and the deceased politician John McCain were presented with the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden, the president of the USA, on July 7th at the White House.
According to the White House, the honorees who receive medals “have overcome significant obstacles to achieve impressive accomplishments in the arts and sciences, … acted with bravery to drive change in their communities, and across the world, while blazing trails for generations to come”. The White House also stated that the honor is for people who have “made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other significant societal public or private endeavors”. This year’s list of recipients includes living and deceased actors, athletes, politicians, military generals, and school presidents.
The recipients of the Medal of Freedom usually reflect the values of the sitting president. For example, President Trump presented the award to some of his allies, like Jim Jordan and Rush Limbaugh, along with athletes from his favorite sport, golf.
Meanwhile, Biden has chosen to recognize LGBTQIA+ advocates, social justice advocates, and political allies, like Gabrielle Giffords, a supporter of second amendment restrictions, former senator Alan Simpson, who staunchly opposes all social security benefits, and John McCain, a former congressman.
Simone Biles, one of the recipients, is not only the most decorated U.S. gymnast in history, but also an advocate on major societal issues, like athletes’ mental health and children in foster care.
Another is Denzel Washington, who according to The Associated Press’ Darlene Superville, “is a double Oscar-winning actor, director and producer. He also has a Tony award, two Golden Globes and the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award.” Unfortunately, he couldn’t attend the ceremony in person after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Also receiving the medal were Sister Simone Campbell, Julieta Garcia, Fred Gray, Steve Jobs, Father Alexander Karloutsos, Khizr Khan, Diane Nash, Megan Rapinoe, Richard Trumka, Wilma Vaught, and Raúl Yzaguirre.
Article Link: https://apnews.com/article/simone-biles-biden-gun-violence-covid-sports-8aa59ba8aa52ef22b4ec7c4d13cdb5ab
According to the White House, the honorees who receive medals “have overcome significant obstacles to achieve impressive accomplishments in the arts and sciences, … acted with bravery to drive change in their communities, and across the world, while blazing trails for generations to come”. The White House also stated that the honor is for people who have “made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other significant societal public or private endeavors”. This year’s list of recipients includes living and deceased actors, athletes, politicians, military generals, and school presidents.
The recipients of the Medal of Freedom usually reflect the values of the sitting president. For example, President Trump presented the award to some of his allies, like Jim Jordan and Rush Limbaugh, along with athletes from his favorite sport, golf.
Meanwhile, Biden has chosen to recognize LGBTQIA+ advocates, social justice advocates, and political allies, like Gabrielle Giffords, a supporter of second amendment restrictions, former senator Alan Simpson, who staunchly opposes all social security benefits, and John McCain, a former congressman.
Simone Biles, one of the recipients, is not only the most decorated U.S. gymnast in history, but also an advocate on major societal issues, like athletes’ mental health and children in foster care.
Another is Denzel Washington, who according to The Associated Press’ Darlene Superville, “is a double Oscar-winning actor, director and producer. He also has a Tony award, two Golden Globes and the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award.” Unfortunately, he couldn’t attend the ceremony in person after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Also receiving the medal were Sister Simone Campbell, Julieta Garcia, Fred Gray, Steve Jobs, Father Alexander Karloutsos, Khizr Khan, Diane Nash, Megan Rapinoe, Richard Trumka, Wilma Vaught, and Raúl Yzaguirre.
Article Link: https://apnews.com/article/simone-biles-biden-gun-violence-covid-sports-8aa59ba8aa52ef22b4ec7c4d13cdb5ab
