The purpose of this is to honor individuals whose achievements have had an impact on American society or the world. In short, it’s awarded to people, whether in government, the arts, sciences, sports or other fields, who have made a profound and lasting impact on American society or the world.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the Presidential Medal of Freedom for slain activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead in Utah while addressing a gathering. Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump, was struck by a bullet fired from a rooftop.
Trump made the announcement during an event at the Pentagon to mark the deadly 9/11 terror attacks.
“I’m pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” he said.
About Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States. It recognises individuals who have made meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the US, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
The medal was established by President John F Kennedy in 1963.
Purpose of award
The purpose of the Presidential Medal of Freedom is to honor individuals whose achievements have had a significant impact on American society or the world. In short, it’s awarded to people, whether in government, the arts, sciences, sports or other fields, who have made a profound and lasting impact on American society or the world. It celebrates outstanding achievement and service that embody the values and ideals of the nation.
Prominent recipients
Former Presidents of the US: John F. Kennedy (1963, posthumously), Lyndon B. Johnson (1980, posthumously), Ronald Reagan (1993, with Distinction), Gerald Ford (1999), Jimmy Carter (1999), George H. W. Bush (2011), Bill Clinton (2013), Joe Biden (2017, as Vice President; with Distinction).
Arts & Culture: Oprah Winfrey โ media mogul and philanthropist, Marian Anderson โ renowned contralto and civil rights activist, Simone Biles โ Olympic gymnast with multiple gold medals, Michelle Yeoh โ Academy Award-winning actress, Bono โ lead singer of U2 and global activist, Anna Wintour โ Editor-in-Chief of Vogue and cultural influencer.
Science & Education: Bill Nye โ science educator and television personality, Jane Goodall โ primatologist and environmentalist.
Sports & Athletics: Katie Ledecky โ Olympic swimmer with multiple gold medals, Magic Johnson โ basketball legend and entrepreneur.
Civil Rights and Activism: Martin Luther King Jr. (posthumously, 1977), Rosa Parks (1996), Cรฉsar Chรกvez (posthumously, 1994), Dolores Huerta (2012), Medgar Evers (posthumously, 2012)
Others: Stephen Hawking (2009) โ Physicist, Jonas Salk (1977) โ developed polio vaccine, Grace Hopper (posthumously, 2016) โ computer programming pioneer, Katherine Johnson (2015) โ NASA mathematician (portrayed in Hidden Figures)