Denzel Washington, Michael J Fox and Bono receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 notable individuals, including Denzel Washington, Michael J Fox and U2 frontman Bono.
The three stars attended the White House on January 4th, which marked Biden’s final time hosting a Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony during his tenure. President Donald Trump will take over the reins on January 20th following his inauguration.
Other figures celebrated by Biden included Argentinian football superstar Lionel Messi, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, former Los Angeles Laker player Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. George Soros, Jose Andres, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Jane Goodall and former Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will also be recognised for their contributions by Biden.
In a statement, the White House said of the 19 individuals selected by Biden: “President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else.”
The message continued: “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Regarding the recognition of Bono, the White House stated the medal wasn’t only for his musical achievements, but also because of his charitable work over the decades. He was described as “the frontman for legendary rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty.”
The White House added: “He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED).”
Meanwhile, Washington is the recipient of a Presidential Medal of Freedom thanks to his work when he “served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years”, in addition to his Oscar-winning career as an actor.
Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 aged 29, will be honoured for his work spreading awareness of the disease. They have described him as “a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development”.
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