U2 frontman Bono received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Joe Biden.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded to 19 people this year, including cultural icons, politicians and activists.
They have been chosen because they are “good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world,” the White House said.
Bono, whose real name is Paul David Hewson, has already received France’s highest cultural honor and received an honorary knighthood.
U2 formed in Dublin in 1976 and consists of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.
And beyond music, the Irish singer-songwriter is known for campaigning against poverty and supporting those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
U2 frontman Bono receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Joe Biden
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded to 19 people this year, including cultural icons, politicians and activists.
This year’s awards were presented at the White House on Saturday, January 4.
Biden will posthumously honor Robert F. Kennedy, former attorney general and U.S. senator assassinated in 1968.
“President Biden believes that great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair chance, and put decency above all else,” the White House said.
‘These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. “They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Biden will also present awards to benefactors who have been good to him.
Billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein will receive the honor: After allowing the Bidens to use his waterfront home in Nantucket every Thanksgiving, the Democrat was in the White House.
Rubeinstein has also invested his millions in American cultural institutions, helping to consolidate the Washington Monument, providing the panda program at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and purchasing a copy of the Magna Carta that was up for auction.
The award will be received by fashion designer Ralph Lauren.
Away from music, the Irish singer-songwriter is known for campaigning against poverty and supporting those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
He seemed excited to receive the award.
This year’s awards were presented at the White House on Saturday, January 4.
He designed his granddaughter Naomi’s wedding dress for her White House wedding in November 2022.
Lauren will receive the award, the White House said, because she “has influenced culture, business and philanthropy, especially in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.”
Anna Wintour, who oversaw a glamorous Vogue spread of the White House wedding, is also on the list.
She has long been associated with Democratic causes and hosted a fundraiser for Biden while he was still running in the 2024 campaign.
“A champion of philanthropic causes, she is also the principal architect behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and chief content officer for Condé Nast,” the White House said.
Also included on the list are several Hollywood types.
Actor Denzel Washington will receive the award, as will U2 frontman Bono, who has worked extensively in the field of HIV/AIDS.
Back to the Future star Michael J. Fox, who actually supported Biden rival Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential bid, will also receive the honor.
“He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development,” the White House said.
Bill Nye, the scientist, will also receive the award, along with conservationist Dr. James Goodall.
U2 formed in Dublin in 1976 and consists of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.
From the athletic world, soccer star Lionel Messi and Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson will be honored.
Tim Gill will receive it for promoting LBGTQ rights.
Fannie Lou Hamer will be honored posthumously for her civil rights work in the segregated South.
Kennedy Center Honors co-creator George Stevens, Jr. will also receive the award from the president.
Additionally, the late Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will be honored posthumously.
Biden memorably went viral for rubbing Stephanie Carter’s shoulders and whispering in her ear during a 2015 swearing-in ceremony for Ash Carter, picked to be President Barack Obama’s defense secretary.
He later responded for Biden and said he was not offending, saying the massage was a “means of offering his support.”