Get to Know the 21 Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Yesterday (Wednesday, November 22), President Barack Obama awarded 21 people with the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation's highest civilian honor. Of the award, Obama said, "It's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better."
This was Obama's last Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House, and his final roundup of honorees was a perfect blend of star power and influential men and women. The list of recipients included many well-known names, like celebrities Ellen DeGeneres and Tom Hanks, but also included athletes, scientists, architects, and musicians. Click through to get to know all of this year's recipients.
Getty Images1/20Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a legendary basketball player and outspoken activist. He's been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player six times, and he's been dubbed an NBA all-star 19 times.
Getty Images2/20Elouise Cobell
Elouise Cobell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously for her work as a leader and advocate for the Native American community. She helped found the Native American Bank and worked with Native American women within their respective communities.
Getty Images3/20Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen was recognized not only for her efforts in the entertainment industry, but for her role as an outspoken voice for the LGBTQ+ community. She was notably teary-eyed at the award ceremony, showing that she was extremely touched to receive such an honor.
Getty Images4/20Richard Garwin
Richard Garwin is a physicist who worked for our country's military and central intelligence departments. He's probably one of the smartest people currently alive, as he earned his Ph.D. at age 21 and has written over 500 technical research papers.
Getty Images5/20Robert De Niro
Actor Robert De Niro was recognized for his contributions to our culture as he has starred in some of the most iconic films of our time. He has won two Academy Awards, and has been nominated seven times.
Getty Images6/20Bill and Melinda Gates
Bill and Melinda Gates were each presented with the medal of freedom for their work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to improving the health of citizens in developing countries.
Getty Images7/20Frank Gehry
Frank Gehry is a noted architect who has been a trailblazer in the contemporary era. Some of his noted accomplishments are the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A. He has also designed several eye-catching buildings on college campuses.
Getty Images8/20Margaret H. Hamilton
Mathematician and computer scientist Margaret H. Hamilton was recognized for her crucial work with NASA. She also started her own software company.
Getty Images9/20Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks was honored for his contributions to the film industry, as well as his charity work. In addition to being a talented actor, Tom has been an advocate for the environment and our nation's veterans.
Getty Images10/20Grace Hopper
Grace Hopper is another recipient who was given the award posthumously. Grace was known as "Amazing Grace," due to her work in the computer and programming industry in the 1940s. She also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a lieutenant.
Getty Images11/20Michael Jordan
Even if you don't follow basketball, you know the name Michael Jordan. He will go down in NBA history as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, after playing 15 seasons for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards.
Getty Images12/20Maya Lin
Artist Maya Lin is best known for her creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. In addition to being an architect and sculptor, Maya is also an advocate for the environment.
Getty Images13/20Lorne Michaels
Emmy Award-winner Lorne Michaels is best known for his work as the creator and producer of Saturday Night Live. He has also worked as producer for a lot of other hit TV shows, such as Late Night With Seth Meyers, 30 Rock, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Getty Images14/20Newt Minow
Newt Minow was recognized for his long career in public service. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, worked as a Supreme Court clerk, and then later worked as Chairman of the Federal Communications Committee. On top of all that, he has run his own law practice.
Getty Images15/20Eduardo Padrón
Eduardo Padrón was recognized for his contributions to education. He has worked as the President of Miami Dade College for more than 40 years. One of his goals as President of the MDC has been to make sure that students have affordable education.
Getty Images16/20Robert Redford
Robert Redford is a famous actor, but he was also honored for his work as a businessman and environmentalist. He is the founder of the Sundance Institute, which aims to promote the work of independent filmmakers around the entire world.
Getty Images17/20Diana Ross
Diana Ross is not just a triple threat, she's like a quintuple threat. She's had a successful career in film, music, television, theater, and fashion. She's also the recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and is an inductee of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Getty Images18/20Vin Scully
Vin Scully was honored this week for his contributions to broadcast journalism. He has often been referred to as the "soundtrack of summer," as he announced the games of the Brooklyn and L.A. Dodgers for 67 seasons. Vin is an inductee of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Getty Images19/20Bruce Springsteen
Singer/songwriter Bruce Springsteen was recognized for his contributions to the music industry. His career spans over 50 years, and he is an integral part of our country's culture.
Getty Images20/20Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson is a talented actress who has dazzled audiences on screen and on stage. She recently earned a Tony Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Trip to the Bountiful.
