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This past Tuesday, President Barack Obama awarded the USA’s highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, out to 21 groundbreaking actors, musicians, athletes and other, during a ceremony at the White House. He stated that each recipient had touched him in a powerful and personal way.
“These are folks who have helped make me who I am,” Obama said as the celebration ended in the White House East Room.
Among those receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom were actors Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Robert Redford and Cicely Tyson. Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the best basketball players ever, were also among the honorees.
Obama referenced Jordan’s memedom during his speech about the Chicago Bulls legend, saying MJ was “more than just an internet meme”. Referring to the popular “Crying Jordan face” meme that was created back in 2009 when Michael Jordan cried while giving his 2009 Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech.
Recognised for their contributions in music were Diana Ross and Bruce Springsteen. Other honorees included philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates, comedian Ellen DeGeneres and broadcaster Vin Scully.
Barack Obama went on to say that those receiving the medal have helped inspire millions worldwide and push America forward. The award recognises and celebrates meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, to its culture or to other significant endeavours. Posthumous honors went to Native American advocate Elouise Cobell and Rear Adm. Grace Hopper.
Others receiving the award included: Richard Garwin, an inventor and polymath physicist who made pioneering contributions to the nation’s defense; Frank Gehry, one of the world’s leading architects; Margaret H. Hamilton, a mathematician and computer scientist; Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; Lorne Michaels, producer of “Saturday Night Live”; Newton Minow, a former Federal Communications Commission chairman devoted to numerous public and charitable causes; and Eduardo Padron, president of Miami Dade College.
You can watch the video of NBA legend Michael Jordan receiving his Presidential Medal of Freedom in our video box.