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US President Joe Biden recognised the contributions of 19 public figures in politics, leisure, sports activities and extra by a ceremony on Sunday (January 5) on the White Home for awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The New York Occasions stated the honorees included among the Democratic Social gathering’s “best-known leaders and boosters: Hillary Clinton, philanthropist and main Democratic donor George Soros, and Robert F. Kennedy, who was given the popularity posthumously.” Others included Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi, anthropologist Jane Goodall and actor Denzel Washington. Messi was unable to attend as a result of scheduling conflicts.
What’s the significance of this award and who decides its recipients? We clarify.
What’s the US Presidential Medal of Freedom?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the USA’ highest civilian honour, typically given in recognition of a physique of labor over an individual’s lifetime.
A Congressional Analysis Service report from November 2024 says it was created by President Harry S. Truman (1945 to 1953) in 1945. Later re-named by President John F Kennedy in 1963, it permits the President to recognise “any one that has made an particularly meritorious contribution to (1) the safety or nationwide pursuits of the USA, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or different vital public or non-public endeavors.”
The medal itself has a white star over a pink pentagon, surrounded by 5 gold eagles. At its centre is a blue circle with 13 gold stars.
Who provides out the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
The award is broad in scope and the {qualifications} required to obtain it. The CRS report says, “There isn’t any formal process for nominating and choosing recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The President has huge latitude underneath Govt Order 11515 (March 13, 1970) to award the medal to ‘any individual really helpful to the President for award of the Medal or any individual chosen by the President upon his personal initiative.’”
At instances, members of the US Congress have despatched letters of advice for the award.
What’s the foundation for these selections?
The report provides that the alternatives of the awardees typically replicate the US President’s political and private pursuits. In Biden’s case, his listing has been interpreted as assist for the political and cultural institution of the nation at current, one thing incoming President Donald Trump has typically rallied towards. Notably, aside from Democratic get together members and supporters, Biden additionally awarded Republican chief Mitt Romney, who contested and misplaced the 2012 presidential elections towards Barack Obama. Romney has been vital of Trump in recent times.
Throughout Trump’s first presidential time period starting in 2017, awardees included the late Supreme Courtroom choose Antonin Scalia who was seen as a staunch conservative, longtime Republican senator Orrin Hatch and music legend Elvis Presley.
Different notable recipients over time are discuss present host Oprah Winfrey, billionaire and former Microsoft CEO Invoice Gates, civil rights activist Rosa Parks, and boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
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