Bono, Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington obtain Presidential Medal of Freedom
Bono, Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington have been among the many newest people to obtain the Presidential Medal of Freedom within the US.
The title is the nation’s highest civilian honour and is awarded to individuals who “have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or safety of america, world peace or different vital societal, public or non-public endeavours”.
On Saturday (January 4), Joe Biden bestowed the award on a complete of 19 folks at a ceremony on the White Home, with U2 frontman Bono being recognised for his work as “a pioneering activist towards AIDS and poverty”, per an announcement from the White Home. “He introduced collectively politicians from opposing events to create america PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED).”
In the present day, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 nice leaders who’ve made America a greater place. pic.twitter.com/d610LtMoes
— The White Home (@WhiteHouse) January 4, 2025
Writing on Instagram after the occasion, Bono wrote: “Thanks President Biden. Frontmen don’t do humble, however in the present day I used to be. Rock n roll gave me my freedom… and with it the privilege to work alongside those that’ve needed to combat a lot more durable for theirs. And I wish to give it up for my band mates – Edge, Adam, and Larry – with out whom I might by no means have discovered my voice.”
Double Oscar-winner Washington, in the meantime, was honoured for his service as “Nationwide Spokesman for the Boys & Ladies Golf equipment of America for over 25 years”, whereas Again To The Future star Fox was described by the President as “a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s illness analysis and improvement”.
Among the many different well-known faces receiving the honour have been Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, the British conservationist Jane Goodall, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire philanthropist George Soros.
Different recipients included soccer legend Lionel Messi, science broadcaster Invoice Nye and NBA legend Magic Johnson, whereas Robert F. Kennedy obtained a posthumous award.
The ceremony was one in every of Biden’s last official duties earlier than Donald Trump is formally inaugurated for the second time on January 20.
Fox was lately credited because the inspiration for the portrayal of Parkinson’s illness on the present Shrinking by its co-creator Invoice Lawrence.
He additionally made headlines this summer season for his look throughout Coldplay’s Glastonbury headline set one thing he later described as “fucking thoughts blowing”.
Bono, in the meantime, is again within the studio engaged on a brand new U2 album, with drummer Larry Mullen Jr. again after his hiatus because of damage.