The President of the United States has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Spanish leader José Andrés and Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, among other celebrities and public figures, with the honors set to be presented this Saturday.
Also among the 19 honorees are former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, philanthropist and major Democratic donor George Soros, and Robert F. Kennedy, who will receive the recognition posthumously.
José Andrés has been praised for his work delivering food to war zones or areas devastated by natural disasters, sometimes risking his life, as seen in the Gaza Strip, where several aid workers were killed during Israeli airstrikes. In 2024, its presence was also noticed in Valencia, after the devastating storm that affected the Spanish province. It also provided aid to the populations of Puerto Rico following tropical storm “Ernesto”, in Ukraine and in Greece, ravaged by forest fires.
The medal is “awarded to 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,” as stated recalled the White House.
Environmentalist and scientist Jane Goodall, as well as several actors, athletes and entertainment figures such as U2 singer Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, footballer Lionel Messi, basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson and the Fashion icons Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren, were also honored.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award given by the President of the United States and is considered the nation's highest honor. It is intended to recognize individuals who have made particularly meritorious contributions to the national security or national interests of the United States, world peace or culture, or other significant public or private endeavors.
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