President Obama honors 21 exceptional Americans with Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Obama loves to honor people who have made great contributions to The United States, and the World, in the peaceful pursuit of excellence. For this reason he’s given out more Presidential Medal’s of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, than any other President in American History. And on Tuesday he called a second medal ceremony for 2016, to honor 21 more legendary Americans, who have made lasting contributions to the arts, science, politics, sports, and popular culture.
Watch Complete Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony (WhiteHouse.gov)
The latest batch of exceptional people, President Obama’s last class before he steps down in favor of President Elect Donald Trump, included basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; musicians Diana Ross and Bruce Springstein; actors Robert De Niro, Robert Redford, and Cicely Tyson; comedienne Ellen Degeneres; and Philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates.
The President was in good humor and rare form, introducing each recipient with great respect, and good humor, sometimes playfully poking fun at these extraordinary honorees, with the best of intentions. The diversity of talent in the room, and their life time achievements, were staggering to contemplate.
Learn about President Obama’s Presidential Medal of Freedom Picks (Time.com)
Photo: WhiteHouse.gov (screen capture)
