Washington — President Biden will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on Friday to 19 recipients, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Al Gore and Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky. .
“These 19 Americans built teams, coalitions, movements, organizations, and businesses that shaped America for the better. They are the pinnacle of leadership in their respective fields. Throughout their careers, they have supported their communities, hard work, and , consistently demonstrated the power of service,” the White House said in a statement.
This is Biden's second time in office. awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The latest recipients include both living and deceased recipients.
Complete list of 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients:
michael bloombergentrepreneur, philanthropist, and three-term mayor of New York City.
Father Gregory J. Boylea Jesuit Catholic priest and founder and director of Homeboy Industries, a gang rehabilitation and reentry program.
Congressman Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat who served in the House of Representatives for 30 years. He previously served as House Majority Leader and Assistant Democratic Party Leader.
elizabeth dollHe served in the North Carolina State Senate from 2003 to 2009. She also served as Secretary of Transportation under President Ronald Reagan, Secretary of Labor under President George H.W. Bush, and president of the American Red Cross.
Phil Donahuea journalist who pioneered daytime talk shows focusing on issues.
medgar wiley evers He was honored even after his death.he led the battle After fighting for his country in World War II, he opposed racial segregation in Mississippi. He was murdered in 1963 at the age of 37.
al gore. The former vice president won the popular vote in the 2000 presidential election, but ceded the presidency to George W. Bush after weeks of recount battles in Florida. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his efforts on climate change.
Clarence B. Jonesa famous civil rights activist and lawyer who helped draft Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech.
john kellyHe was secretary of state under President Barack Obama and served as special presidential envoy for climate under Mr. Biden. He earned the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for his actions during combat in the Vietnam War.
Frank R. Rothenberg He was honored even after his death. The five-term senator from New Jersey is known for his commitment to environmental protection and consumer safety.
katie ledecky She became the most decorated female swimmer in history, winning seven gold medals at the Olympics and 21 gold medals at the World Championships.
Opal Leeeducator and activist, June 1st is a national holiday.
Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space and the second female director of NASA's Johnson Space Center. She has flown in space four times.
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi The California native made history in 2007 when she became the first woman to be elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. She was re-elected to that position in 2019 and she made history once again.
jane rigbyChief Scientist. james webb space telescopethe most powerful telescope ever made.
Teresa Romeropresident of the United Farm Workers and the first Latino to become president of a national union in the United States.
judy shepherdCo-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, an organization established in memory of his brutally murdered gay son.
james francis thorpe He was honored even after his death. He was the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal.
Michelle Yeoh.actress won an Academy Award last year She won the Best Actress award for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,'' making her the first Asian actress to win in this category.
