United States President Joe Biden is set to honour 19 distinguished individuals with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday, just days before the conclusion of his term in office.
The medal, regarded as the highest civilian honour in the United States, will be awarded to a diverse group, including football legend Lionel Messi, basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and Bono, the lead singer of U2, according to a statement from the White House.
The award is reserved for “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 explained.
Among the recipients are conservationist Jane Goodall, philanthropist George Soros, fashion mogul Anna Wintour, and former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, a prominent figure in Biden’s party.
The ceremony will be one of Biden’s final acts as president before he transfers power to Donald Trump, who is set to take office on 20 January.
