EFE.- The president of the United States, Joe Biden, recognized this Saturday 19 figures from entertainment, politics and sports for their contribution to the country.
The Democrat awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, to Spanish chef José Andrés, soccer player Lionel Messi and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, during a ceremony at the White House.
The winners were chosen for being “truly extraordinary people, who have made an effort to shape the American culture and cause,” President Joe Biden explained in a speech before presenting the medal.
Only some of the recipients were physically present at the ceremony and some figures, such as Messi or the philanthropist and main Democratic donor George Soros, were absent from the event.
Along with his wife, Jill Biden, the president thanked the entire group for bringing “healing and joy to so many people.”
“Thank you very much for everything you have done to help this country, you literally embody the creed of this country,” said Biden, in what will be his last delivery of these decorations, which are celebrated annually, before leaving the presidency on January 20, when Donald Trump takes office.
Among those honored are also the basketball player Magic Johnson, the editor of Vogue magazine, Anna Wintour and Robert F. Kennedy, who will be awarded the recognition posthumously.
From José Andrés, who attended the ceremony in person, the White House highlighted his work to bring food in war zones or in places devastated by natural disasters, in a job that is sometimes very risky as was seen in the Gaza Strip. , where several aid workers were killed by Israeli airstrikes.
“José Andrés came to the United States with little money and big dreams. Over three decades, he mastered his culinary art with renowned restaurants that embrace cultures and gastronomy and unite people,” said the event’s master of ceremonies, before presenting the medal to the Spanish chef.
José Andrés, he added, “taught us that there is a place for everyone at the table.”
Messi, who has been playing for the Inter Miami team since 2023, was selected both for being the “most decorated footballer” in the history of the sport, and for his support of education and health programs for children around the world, according to the White House in a statement.
Conservationist and scientist Jane Goodall and several actors, athletes or entertainment figures, such as U2 singer Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, were also awarded.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award awarded by the president of the United States and is considered the country’s highest award.
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