Friday’s announcement by President Biden included 17 recipients of his Presidential Medal of Freedom. These include former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Simone Biles, an Olympic gymnast. Posthumously, the award will be presented to Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, and John McCain (former Senator).
The White House will present the awards on Thursday, July 7.
The White House released a statement on Friday stating that the Presidential Medal of Freedom was the nation’s highest civilian honor. It is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the security, prosperity, or values of the United States or any other significant societal or public endeavors. President Biden said for many years that America can be described by one word: possibilities.
The White House stated that the 17 Americans “exemplify the power of possibilities” and “represent the soul of the country – hardwork, perseverance and faith.” They have overcome many obstacles to reach impressive achievements in the arts, sciences, and dedicated their lives to fighting for the poorest among us.
The highest civilian awards are the Presidential Medal of Freedom or the Congressional Gold Medal. Former President John F. Kennedy established the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
These are the recipients
Simone BilesOlympic Champion Simone Biles has advocated to ensure the mental safety and health of athletes as well as victims of abuse. Last year, she testified before Congress about Larry Nassar who is accused of sexually assaulting hundreds more women and girls in USA Gymnastics.
Sister Simone CampbellSister Simone Campbell is a Sister of Social Service and advocates for economic justice and immigration reform.
Julieta GarciaDr. Julieta Garcia, Former President of The University of Texas at Brownsville Gabrielle GiffordsFormer Rep. Gabby Giffordsis a survivor of gun violence and has dedicated her entire life to gun violence prevention.
Fred GrayFred Gray was a prominent lawyer in racial justice and represented Rosa Parks and the NAACP. The White House acknowledges that Steve Jobs, who passed away in 2011, had revolutionized the way the world communicates.
Father Alexander KarloutsosFather Alexander Karloutsos served as the Vicar General of Greece Orthodox Archdiocese of America and provided advice to numerous U.S. presidents. Khizr KhanKhizr Khan was the Gold Star father who received criticism from Donald Trump after he spoke at the 2016 Democratic convention.
Sandra LindsaySandra Lindsay was a New York nurse who was on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. John McCain (posthumous). Former Senator John McCain was awarded a gold star for service in Vietnam. He served the U.S. for many decades as both a senator and a congressman. Both Democrats and Republicans respected him. Diane NashDiane Nash organized key civil rights campaigns during segregation.
Megan Rapinoe Olympic Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe has, as the White House notes in its record, advocated for gender equality and LBGTQ+ Rights.
Alan SimpsonAlan Simpson was a former U.S. Senator for Wyoming. He advocated for good governance as well as marriage equality.
Richard Trumka (posthumous).Richard Trumka was the AFL-CIO’s leader for more than a decade until he passed away last year.
Wilma Vaught Brigadier General Wilma Vaught was one of seven women generals in the Armed Forces when Wilma retired in 1985.
Denzel WashingtonRespected actor Denzel Washington has been advocating for Boys & Girls Clubs of America since more than a quarter of a Century. Raul Yzaguirre A civil rights advocate, Raul Yzaguirre served as the U.S. ambassador in the Dominican Republic under former President Barack Obama.
