President Joe Biden is set to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon 19 individuals this Friday, the highest civilian honor in the nation.
This diverse group includes figures from politics, activism, and entertainment, notably featuring Biden's former Democratic primary rivals, former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Vice President Al Gore, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Jim Clyburn, and Elizabeth Dole. Also among the honorees are John Kerry, Biden's Climate Envoy and former Secretary of State, Opal Lee, revered as the "grandmother of Juneteenth," and Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, whose tragic killing in 1998 due to his sexual orientation sparked national outrage.
The list further includes Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, swimming legend Katie Ledecky, hailed as "the most decorated female swimmer in history," and Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to venture into space during a mission aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1993.
The White House described the honorees as individuals who have "forged teams, coalitions, movements, organizations, and businesses that have positively shaped America. They represent the pinnacle of leadership in their respective fields, embodying the values of community, hard work, and service throughout their careers."