US President Joe Biden has given the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, including U2 singer and campaigner Bono, and George Soros.
It is the highest civilian distinction given to athletes, artists, politicians, and diplomats in the United States.
The White House stated in a statement that Bono was honoured as a trailblazing advocate against poverty and AIDS.
“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),” reports RTE.
The award is given to those “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.”
Actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, basketball great Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, long-time fashion editor Anna Wintour, and soccer sensation Lionel Messi are among those honoured by the departing US president, reports RTE.
The White House stated in the statement that the honourees “are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
This year’s crop also honours primate researcher Jane Goodall, a prominent ecological advocate, and chef Jose Andres, creator of the World Central Kitchen NGO, reports RTE.
Some of the recipients chosen by the 82-year-old Democrat have a more political profile, including Hillary Clinton, the former first lady, senator, and US secretary of state who lost her 2016 presidential bid against Donald Trump, and billionaire financier and left-wing philanthropist George Soros, who is a sort of boogeyman for Republicans.
According to a White House statement, Mr. Soros was praised for “having supported organisations, and projects across the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice,” reports RTE.
While Clinton “made history many times over decades in public service,” she was the first woman to receive a major party nomination for president of the United States.
Additionally, Mr. Biden decided to give Robert Francis Kennedy the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, reports RTE.
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