President Barack Obama of United States awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor to 21 groundbreaking actors, musicians, athletes and innovators. Those honoured includes Diana Ross, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert De Niro, Cicely Tyson, Michael Jordan, Bill and Melinda Gates,show host Ellen DeGeneres, broadcaster Vin Scully, Tom Hanks and Bruce Springsteen among others.
“Everybody on this stage has touched me in a very powerful, personal way, in ways that they probably couldn’t imagine,” Obama said in concluding an hour-long ceremony Tuesday in the White House East Room.
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, top center, actor Robert De Niro, top right, and Saturday Night Live producer and screenwriter Lorne Michaels, bottom left.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, its security and its culture. Obama called the 2016 group a “particularly impressive class.”
In the film world, Obama honored Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Robert Redford and Cicely Tyson.
Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the greatest basketball players ever, were also among the honorees. Obama noted how Jordan’s name is synonymous with excellence.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with President Obama
“There is a reason you call somebody ‘the Michael Jordan of,'” Obama said. “The Michael Jordan of neurosurgery, or the Michael Jordan of rabbis, or the Michael Jordan of outrigger canoeing. Everyone knows what you’re talking about.”
Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross were recognized for their music. Of “The Boss,” he said Springsteen crafted “anthems of our America, the reality of who we are and the reverie of who we want to be.”
Tom Hanks, Bill Gates and President Obama
Other honorees included philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates, comedian Ellen DeGeneres and broadcaster Vin Scully.
Posthumous honors went to Native American advocate Elouise Cobell and Rear Adm. Grace Hopper.
Others receiving the award included:
— Richard Garwin, an inventor and polymath physicist who made pioneering contributions to the nation’s defense.
— Frank Gehry, one of the world’s leading architects.
— Margaret H. Hamilton, a mathematician and computer scientist.
— Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
— Lorne Michaels, producer of “Saturday Night Live”
— Newton Minow, a former Federal Communications Commission chairman devoted to numerous public and charitable causes.
— Eduardo Padron, president of Miami Dade College.
The diverse group seemed to enjoy themselves at the White House, participating in a mannequin challenge before the ceremony, trying not to move as they were recorded on video.
Obama said the people receiving the medal helped push America forward and inspired millions around the world. The White House said the president and his staff spend time considering a variety of candidates for the award, but ultimately, it’s the president’s decision.
