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President Biden honored 19 change makers for their “incredible mark” on the country with the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, just before his departure from office.
“As cultural icons, defiant statements, dignified statements, humanitarians, rock stars, sports stars, you feed the hungry, you give hope to those who are hurting, and you craft the signs and sounds of our movements and our memories. You know, it’s amazing,” the President said of the honorees.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, “Vogue” editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour, scientist Bill Nye, actor Denzel Washington and chef José Andrés were among the recipients who earned recognition from Biden.
“Together, you leave an incredible mark, and I mean this sincerely, this group up here, 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,” he later added.
The president also awarded individuals posthumously, including former Michigan Gov. George Romney, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Biden’s “political hero,” former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.
He described the group as “heroes of the highest order.”
“Ash Carter, Miss Fannie Lou Hammer, George Romney, Bobby Kennedy, heroes of the highest order, and Bobby Kennedy is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly,” Biden stated.
“I thank their families, all their families. You know, as we carry on this sacred effort of courage and conviction that you all began. So today, I want to congratulate you on all you’ve accomplished,” he added.
Biden’s own family was in attendance to watch as he presided over one of his last ceremonies while in office. First Lady Jill Biden sat in the front row next to former President Clinton. Hunter Biden and his son Beau were also present.
Lloyd Austin, the secretary of defense and other prominent cabinet members sat in the first row to congratulate the medal of freedom recipients.
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