Biden lauds Hillary Clinton, others for 'incredible mark' on America ahead of exit

President Biden honored 19 change makers for their “incredible mark” on the country with the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, just before his departure from office.

“As cultural icons, defiant statements, dignified statements, humanitarians, rock stars, sports stars, you feed the hungry, you give hope to those who are hurting, and you craft the signs and sounds of our movements and our memories. You know, it's amazing,” the President said of the honorees.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, "Vogue" editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour, scientist Bill Nye, actor Denzel Washington and chef José Andrés were among the recipients who earned recognition from Biden.

“Together, you leave an incredible mark, and I mean this sincerely, this group up here, you leave an incredible mark on our country with insight and influence that can be felt around the globe in major cities and remote areas alike,” he later added.

The president also awarded individuals posthumously, including former Michigan Gov. George Romney, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Biden’s “political hero,” former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

He described the group as “heroes of the highest order."

“Ash Carter, Miss Fannie Lou Hammer, George Romney, Bobby Kennedy, heroes of the highest order, and Bobby Kennedy is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly,” Biden stated.

“I thank their families, all their families. You know, as we carry on this sacred effort of courage and conviction that you all began. So today, I want to congratulate you on all you've accomplished,” he added.

Biden’s own family was in attendance to watch as he presided over one of his last ceremonies while in office. First Lady Jill Biden sat in the front row next to former President Clinton. Hunter Biden and his son Beau were also present.

Lloyd Austin, the secretary of defense and other prominent cabinet members sat in the first row to congratulate the medal of freedom recipients.

Topics

Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox, among Medal of Freedom recipients

President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 people including former first lady, senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox and basketball legend ...
NBC News - 1d
Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, Magic Johnson, others

President Biden on Saturday awarded 19 recipients with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian distinction. Honorees included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, ...
CBS News - 1d
Hillary Clinton, George Soros and others to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

Among the recipients of the top civilian honor are NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, fashion icon Anna Wintour, U2 singer Bono and actor Denzel Washington.
NBC News - 2d
Watch live: Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, George Soros among others

President Biden is hosting a ceremony Saturday to award 19 individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honoring a slew of prominent figures in politics, fashion, entertainment and activism. ...
The Hill - 2d
Biden awards Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, Messi and others

Watch live coverage of the Medal of Freedom Ceremony at the White House as President Joe Biden awards the nation’s highest civilian honor to 19 recipients. The list includes former Secretary of ...
NBC News - 2d
Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, 18 others

The nation's highest civilian honor will be presented to 19 people at the White House later Saturday.
CBS News - 2d
Biden to award Hillary Clinton, RFK, Denzel Washington and others Medal of Freedom

President Biden on Saturday awarded 19 individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honoring a slew of prominent figures in politics, fashion, entertainment and activism. Among those being ...
The Hill - 2d
Bill Ackman is making good on one threat to exit Amsterdam. Here’s the other.

The Euronext Amsterdam approved the plan of the closed-end Pershing Square Holdings
MarketWatch - 4d
12 Trends Predictions in 2025: Hillary Clinton, Crypto and More

What will we wear, eat, buy, believe, desire?
The New York Times - Dec. 30