US President Joe Biden will honor 19 renowned figures with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday, just days before his term ends.
The medal, recognized as the highest civilian honor in the United States, will be awarded to a diverse group of people, including soccer icon Lionel Messi, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, fashion designer Ralph Lauren and Bono, the lead singer of U2, according to a White House statement.
The award is reserved for “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other significant social, public or private endeavors,” the White House said.
Honorees include conservationist Jane Goodall, philanthropist George Soros, fashion mogul Anna Wintour and former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, a prominent member of Biden's party.
The ceremony marks one of Biden's final acts as president before handing the reins to Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20.
READ ALSO IN ONLINE TRIBUNE