Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, billionaire George Soros, actor Micheal J Fox were among the 19 recipients of Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday (January 4). It is the highest civilian award of the country. The recipients were felicitated at a ceremony at the White House.
Hillary Clinton was given a standing ovation by those present when her name was announced. Alex Soros, the son of George Soros accepted the Medal of Freedom on the Open Society Foundation's behalf.
There were several posthumous awardees too. These were: former attorney general Robert Francis Kennedy, forme Michigan Governor George Romney, former US defense secretary Ashton Baldwin Carter, Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party founder Fannie Lou Hamer.
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer was also name among the recipients of the award. CBS News reported that he was unable to attend because of scheduling issues.
President Biden made short remarks before presenting the award.
"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," he said.
"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," The White House said in a statement earlier.
