President Biden Awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Distinguished guests, the President of the United States. Please have a seat.

I think I told my buddy John Kerry for the first two years every time I heard Hail of the Chief, I’d turn and look around. “Where the hell is he?” Anyways, great to see you all. And on behalf of Jill, Kamala, and Doug, thank you all for being here in one of our favorite events at the White House.

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61 years ago, President Kennedy established the Presidential Medal of Freedom to recognize “any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the security and national interests of the United States. Or world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

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In the first class of medal recipients was a great, great American writer, EB White. Years after receiving the medal, he received a letter from someone who was losing faith in humanity. And EB White replied, and I quote, “Relentlessness, curiosity, inventiveness, ingenuity have led to deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable us to claw our way out. Hang onto your hat. Hang onto your hope. Wind the clock, and tomorrow is another day.”

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Today we have another extraordinary honor to bestow in the nation’s highest civilian honors of 19 incredible people whose relentless, curiosity, inventiveness, ingenuity, and hope have kept faith in a better tomorrow. We see that faith in Father Greg Boyle, who has changed countless lives, and pastor of a disadvantaged Catholic parish in Los Angeles. Father, threw your pioneering gang intervention programs… I always kid, I I was taught by the [inaudible 00:03:15] in a public school. Well, they always were worried we were going to go to Jesuit colleges. Because they said, “You guys are too liberal.” Thank God for the Jebbies. Thank God.

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My staff hates me doing ad-libbing. Your service as a Jesuit priest over four decades reminds us of the power of redemption, rehabilitation, and our obligation to those that have been condemned or counted out. Thank you, Father Greg, for your amazing grace. Thank you.

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For some of you today, I know from personal experience that you wish you’d never had to be an event like this one without a piece of your soul having been gone. Judy Shepard, it’s been 25 years, Judy, since we last spoke of your beloved Matthew. Your husband Dennis is here today as well. The brutal murder of your son galvanized the movement into a law in his name. Protect LGBTQ Americans. Your relentless advocacy is a reminder that we must give hate no safe harbor. And that we can turn into purpose, and that pain you felt into significant purpose. You’ve done just that. Thank you.

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And today we honor Medgar Evers and his family’s pain and purpose. An army veteran who worked tirelessly to end segregation in Mississippi, to deliver the promise of America to all Americans. A patriot was gunned down by the poison of white supremacy, but his spirit endures. Joining us is Medgar’s daughter, Reena, who was just eight years old when she walked out and saw daddy in the driveway. Was taken from her four days before Father’s Day. She’s here on behalf of the family, and her mother, Myrlie, who is unable to attend to travel today.

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I want to thank Myrlie for her work to seek justice for Medgar, and for forging her own civil rights legacy, not just Medgar’s. Her own civil rights legacy. In 2021, in this very room, I signed one of the most important laws my presidency, making Juneteenth the first new federal holiday since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The first person I handed the pen to was Ms. Opal Lee, a grandmother of the movement that helped make it possible. Juneteenth is a day of profound weight and power to remember the original sin of slavery and the extraordinary capacity to merge the most painful moments with a better vision of ourselves. Ms. Opal Lee made it her mission to make history, not erase it. We’re a better nation because you, Opal. Thank you.

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Born in Philadelphia, the cradle of our democracy, Dr. Clarence B. Jones willed to depend as a sword and gave words to the movement that generated freedom for millions of people. A speechwriter and lawyer for Dr. King, he helped define the enduring ideas included in the dream that will be forever engraved in the ethos of America. Letting freedom ring, Dr. Clarence B. Jones. Thank you, Dr. Jones.

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And before social media and click bait news, Phil Donahue broadcast the power of personal stories in living rooms all across America. He helped change hearts and minds through honest and open dialogue. Over the course of a defining career in television, and through thousands of daily conversations, Phil Donahue steered the nation’s discourse and spoke to our better angels. I wish you were still speaking there, pal. It made a big difference. From finance, to media, to philanthropy, Michael Bloomberg has revolutionized our economy. He’s transformed how we consume information. He’s changed us. He’s challenged us as well, to solve the toughest challenges from gun violence to climate change. And as mayor, he rebuilt the city of New York after 9/11, challenging our spirit of resilience as a nation and a beacon to the world. Michael, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for [inaudible 00:08:08].

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I first met Katelyn Ledecky 2012. I thought, my God, what an athlete. She won her first Olympic Gold at age 15, and though through hard work and humility, she’s won 10 Olympic medals. 10. 21 World Championship titles. Became the greatest female swimmer of all time. She continues to compete this summer in the Paralympics at age 27, which some say is old for swimming. 27? Don’t let age get in your way, you know what I mean? Katie, age is just a number, kid, and I can’t wait to welcome you back to the White House with more medals from Team USA. I really mean it. The finest women’s swimmer in American history.

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Jim Thorpe, a one-of-a-kind champion. I grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, hearing from my grand pop, whose name was Ambrose Finnegan. He was an All-American at Santa Clara playing football back in 1905. And I grew up always hearing about Jim Thorpe. I’m serious. As the greatest athlete. Not just the greatest ball player, the greatest athlete of all time. He talked about him all the time. In 1912, he became the first Native American athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. He set world records in decathlon, was a professional football player, professional baseball player, professional basketball player. Jim Thorpe showcased unparalleled athleticism, and he transcended racial barriers and the power of perseverance, sheer will, and determination. Thank you, Lynn, who is Jim’s oldest living grandchild, for accepting this medal on his behalf. He was an incredible man.

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After hearing my grand pop, I used to go to sleep in Scranton thinking, God, I wish I could meet him. Incredible. Anyway… I’m going to get carried away here.

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For most of the American dream to be successful in whatever endeavor you choose here on earth, for Dr. Ellen Ochoa, this is a dream from the heavens. Her dream from the heavens. A granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Ellen is the first Hispanic woman to go to space, ushering a whole new age of space exploration, and proving what it means for every generation to dream, to reach for the stars and to get there. And I tell you what, you’re getting there, kid. Thank you so much. Thank you.

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Dr. Jane Rigby, a daughter of my home state of Delaware, I might add. She’s not only the only person receiving this medal. It’s not the reason she’s getting it, is because from Delaware, although I keep looking at her. She’s a groundbreaking astrophysicist in charge of the most powerful telescope ever launched into space. Did you ever see some of the images? They’re breathtaking. Light years, millions of light years away. She’s also a long-time advocate of inclusivity in the sciences. By piecing together and everything that she’s done, and by making sure that the grand story of the universe and unlocking the secrets of the galaxies, Dr. Rigby sparks a sense of wonder deep in our souls. You ought to see some of the photographs, I mean some of those telescopes. It’s mind boggling to me.

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For embodying the American dream and helping Americans reach theirs also, we want to honor a very good friend of mine who’s not here today. Frank Lautenberg, an army veteran from New Jersey. The longest-serving senator, who I served with. Frank is remembered as a tireless advocate for consumers, public health and safety. Bonnie, thank you for being here to accept the medal on Frank’s behalf.

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Grace Romano embodied the essential truth about America. We’re a nation of immigrants, where everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. The first Latina to become president of a national union in the United States. She made life better for thousands of farm workers who put food on our tables, all of them. And protecting them from extreme heat, securing overtime pay. She shows us what it means to be a champion for dignity to work. And when I told you, when I ran the first time in 1972, the United States Senate, he was organizing farm workers in the state of Delaware.

And Nixon won my state by 60 percent of the vote, but I was down and championed just learning from him. And guess what? I won anyway. But anyway, thank you very much for all you’ve done.

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Over four decades and on and off the screen, Michelle Yeoh has shattered stereotypes and glass ceilings to enrich, enhance American culture. Her roles transcend gender, cultures, and languages. From martial arts to romantic comedies to science fiction, to show us what we all have in common. As the first Asian actor to win an Oscar as Best Actress, she bridges cultures not only to entertain, but also inspire and open hearts, and that’s what she keeps doing. Congratulations. Another inspiration, not just to me, but to Bob Dole, God love him, was Elizabeth Dole. You’re a trailblazer, Elizabeth. The first woman in nearly every public service division you held over four decades. I served with her in the United States Senate, and she’s a fierce advocate for military and families and their caregivers. She’s a true partner and her beloved Bob was a dear friend who I miss dearly. He was a friend, as you know. I loved him. Thank you. Thanks.

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Elizabeth, your country owes you a debt of gratitude, a significant debt of gratitude. Throughout a defining career in public service, this guy, Al Gore, has demonstrated a love of country and showed the world how to lead. I worked with Al when he was a senator and when he was Vice President. After winning the popular vote, he accepted the outcome of a disputed presidential election for the sake of unity and trust in our institutions. That to me was amazing what you did, Al. I won’t go into that, but… And Al’s continued to serve by leading a global movement to fight climate crisis, earning him the Nobel Prize in 2007. Al, history’s going to remember you for many reasons. Among them will be your honesty, your integrity, and the legacy of your service. Thank you, Al. You are first-rate.

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I’ve served and worked closely as senator and as Vice President, and then as President with this guy, John Kerry. John Kerry. I was Vice President when he was Secretary of State, and in my administration he led our efforts across the globe of the first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. Throughout six decades of service to the nation, John, as a soldier, a senator, a statesman, John Kerry was a patriot of the highest order. I can personally attest that my dear friend has as much moral courage in his pursuit of American politics as he did physical courage that earned him a silver star in Vietnam. You’re the real deal, John. You are the real deal, pal. I have enormous admiration.

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In my view, excuse the point of personal privilege, the last two guys that mentioned both should have been standing here at this podium. The beloved daughter of a congressman and the mayor of Baltimore. As my dad was born in Baltimore, he said, “Baltimore.” Nancy Pelosi grew up knowing the power and purpose of politics. Historic figure as the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives. She used her superpowers to pass some of the most significant laws in our nation’s history. On January 6th, Nancy stood in the breach and defended democracy. With her husband Paul, they stood up to extremism with absolute courage, physical courage. Nancy is a brilliant, practical, principled, and determined leader. Her accomplishments are overwhelming, and I predict, and I’ve said this to her for a while, history will remember you, Nancy, as the greatest Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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I mean it. We’ve got some great speakers, Nancy, but I love you, kid. I really do love you. You’re the best. You’re the best. De Tocqueville said, “If America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” That’s one of Jim Clyburn’s favorite quotes. Always grounded in faith, family, and service, Jim has guided South Carolina and our country with a steady hand and an honest heart for over the last half century. And I can say this without fear of contradiction, I would not be standing here as President making these awards were not for Jim. I mean that sincerely.

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And neither of us would be standing here without Emily Clyburn, a woman of enormous character who we all miss. We’re a great nation, Jim, because we have good people like Jim and Emily Clyburn and our honorees today, all of them. My fellow Americans. Jim is the best. Thank you, Jim.

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What I had to keep doing when I was writing these introductions is make them shorter and shorter and shorter. There’s so much more to say about each one of them, but we’d be here for 12 hours. But you all know how incredible they are, an incredible group of people. And so, ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans, I congratulate the Presidential Freedom of Medal recipients and their families for the relentlessness and curiosity. And now I’m going to make sure we provide those medals and put them around your neck. So thank you very much.

Michael R. Bloomberg. From the son of a bookkeeper and secretary to a visionary business leader and public servant, Michael Bloomberg epitomizes American industry and innovation. He revolutionized the financial information industry with the Bloomberg Terminal, and Bloomberg News modernized the way information is reported and received by the public. As a three-term mayor of New York City, he transformed schools, transportation, public health, and more. As a philanthropist, his contributions on everything from gun safety to climate change remind us of our responsibility to our communities, our country, and the world. Gregory J. Boyle.

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Inspired by his Jesuit teachers, Father Greg Boyle has dedicated his life to healing and hope. As a young priest assigned to one of Los Angeles’s most underserved parishes, he founded Homeboy Industries, now the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world. It has helped thousands of Angelenos turn their lives around, connecting them to jobs, counseling, and a warm-hearted community where all are welcome and cherished. Answering Jesus’s call to serve the least of these, Father Greg is a testament to the power of God’s healing love and America’s enduring grace. James E. Clyburn. The son of a South Carolina preacher, Jim Clyburn is a beacon of moral clarity. A graduate of South Carolina State University, this student of history became a teacher and movement leader for a fairer and freer America. His dignity and decency are surpassed only by the love shared with his dear Emily, who marched with him and often ahead of him from classrooms to Congress. Through three decades in the House of Representatives, he has transformed the lives of millions of Americans by passing groundbreaking laws for all our families. Jim Clyburn is touched by the divine, and his march brings us closer to a more perfect union. Elizabeth Dole. A singular trailblazer, Elizabeth Dole was the first woman to hold nearly every position she had. Over the course of four decades in public service, she served as the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor, President of the American Red Cross and Senator from North Carolina. She established a preeminent foundation dedicated to supporting America’s military caregivers. Known for breaking barriers and building bridges, Elizabeth Dole has paved a path for generations of Americans to serve with honor and dignity.

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Phil Donahue. From Irish Catholic roots in Cleveland, Phil Donahue rose to transform television and reshape the national conversation. Over 29 years, nearly 7,000 episodes, and 20 Emmys, he pioneered the live daytime

Daytime talk show holding a mirror up to America. He interviewed everyone from our greatest stars to our forgotten neighbors, uniting us around the toughest issues of our time. Insatiably, curious and accepting, he saw every guest as worthy of interest and work to build understanding, bringing us to see each other not as enemies, but as fellow Americans. Reena Evers accepting on behalf of Medgar Wiley Evers.

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Medgar Evers was willing to face death to give America new life. An army soldier, he fought for freedom abroad during World War II. At the height of the Civil Rights Movement, he was a crusading lawyer, fighting for equality at home, investigating lynchings, organizing voter drives and dismantling school segregation. The life he chose to live and the risks he took to do right, a reminder of the history he made and our charge to keep. In a life cut too short, Medgar Evers legacy casts a ray of light on our quest to redeem the soul of our nation. Al Gore. Over a lifetime of service, Al Gore has been an army serviceman, senator, vice president, presidential nominee, and a visionary climate statesman. In a historic act of selflessness and love for country, he accepted the outcome of a disputed election for the sake of our unity and the strength of our democracy. Through his Nobel Peace Prize winning leadership, he inspires millions to confront the existential threat of climate change. He is a model of American resilience, proof that what matters most is the courage to take on a cause bigger than ourselves.

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Clarence B. Jones. The Philadelphia son of domestic workers, and a former foster child, Clarence Jones became the wordsmith for a movement. A doer of the word, he was an army soldier on the front lines in the battlefield, and a civil rights lawyer on the front lines in the courtroom. Wise and unflinching, Clarence Jones’ lyrical prose and prophetic life shows us all the enduring power of the idea of America. An advisor and speechwriter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, he helped write a new American declaration to ensure we hold these truths to be self- evident is forever linked with I have a dream.

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John Forbes Kerry. John Kerry’s public service spans seven decades and seven continents. He demonstrated courage fighting in a war and equal courage fighting against it. A decorated naval officer who volunteered for combat, he made peace with the country for which he’d fought on the battlefield. Elected five times to the Senate by the people of Massachusetts, he was the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee and came within one state of victory. The son of a foreign officer, diplomacy is in his DNA. As Secretary of State, he worked for peace, negotiated arms control, and forged the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. He built on that work as the first ever special presidential envoy for climate. His bold and relentless public service reflects his enduring belief in America, where our best days are still to come.

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Bonnie Lautenberg, accepting on behalf of Frank R. Lautenberg. Frank Lautenberg was a patriot of the greatest generation. Born in a family of Jewish immigrants, he enlisted in the army at 18 and served in Europe during World War II. After graduating college on the GI Bill, he built and ran one of the world’s most successful software companies. He later became New Jersey’s longest serving senator. As a strong advocate for consumer protection, the environment, and safe transportation, he took on the danger of secondhand smoke and fought for healthcare for people living with HIV AIDS. When history called, Frank Lautenberg answered. Opal Lee. Two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freedom for enslaved Americans was finally enforced in Galveston, Texas, marking the nation’s first Juneteenth. In that same town, Opal Lee was born six decades later. Growing up in a home that was burned down by a racist mob, she understood that history must never be erased. A teacher and advocate, she helped lead a movement with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. More than 150 years after that day in Galveston, Texas, she stood next to another American president who followed her lead and made Juneteenth a federal holiday. The nation thanks Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky. A humble leader, Olympian and champion of unparalleled determination, Katie Ledecky is the most decorated female swimmer in history with 10 Olympic medals and counting. An athletic prodigy from a swimming family, she captured the world’s admiration with her punishing strokes and unmatched stamina, pushing through and setting the highest standards for some of the toughest races ever known. Powered by faith, family, and teamwork, Katie Ledecky is a symbol of perseverance and strength with a heart of gold that shines for the nation and for the world. Ellen Ochoa. A granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Ellen Ochoa lived up to their dreams that anything is possible in America. The first in her family to go to college, she became a groundbreaking aeronautical engineer and inventor and astronaut on her way to becoming the first Hispanic woman to travel to space. In addition to nearly a thousand hours in orbit, she is the second woman to serve as director of NASA’s renowned Johnson Space Center. A

… a beloved trailblazer and mentor, Dr. Ochoa continues to inspire people around the world to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams. Nancy D’Alesandro Pelosi, after raising five children with her beloved husband, Paul, and leading the California Democratic Party, Nancy Pelosi became San Francisco’s tireless champion in Congress. As the first woman speaker of the house, she has shepherded some of our nation’s most consequential laws, by keeping coalitions together, and standing with and up to presidents of both parties. Her resolve on January 6th, 2021 helped guide America through one of our darkest days. For her efforts to protect freedom and democracy, Nancy Pelosi will be known forever as the greatest speaker of the house in American history. Jane Rigby. A daughter of the great state of Delaware, Jane Rigby’s passion for astronomy began as a child peering at the stars through a small telescope in a soybean field. Following her instinct and imagination, she has become a pioneering astrophysicist now managing the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever launched into space. A brilliant and prolific author, Dr. Rigby is an inspiration and tireless champion for the LGBTQI+ community. In both her professional and personal life, Dr. Rigby reminds us to never lose our sense of wonder, hope, and spirit of adventure as Americans. Teresa Romero. A trailblazing labor leader, Teresa Romero is a champion for farm workers across the fields, orchards and vineyards of America, who feed and fuel our nation. Born in Mexico, she has built an American life and service to others. Standing up for one of our most vulnerable yet essential groups of workers, and giving them the voice, hope and inspiration to push for change. With grace under fire, her fight for safe working conditions, fair pay, and a path to citizenship is bringing us closer to realizing the full promise of America as a nation of immigrants. Judy Shepard. Judy Shepard took a mother’s most profound pain and turned her son’s memory into a movement. Matthew Shepard’s brutal death 25 years ago shocked the conscience of our nation and galvanized millions of Americans to stand against anti-LGBTQI+ hate. Together with her husband Dennis, their courageous advocacy has since driven tremendous progress in our laws and culture, giving young people and their families strength and hope for the future. The Shepard family’s compassion reflects the best of America, where everyone is equally deserving of dignity and respect.

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Gail Lynn Hannon accepting on behalf of James Francis Thorpe. Jim Thorpe was the country’s original multi-sport athlete and one of the greatest stars in American history, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation. He embodied his given name Bright Path, and became the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal. He broke the world record in the decathlon and captured the public’s awe as a professional football, baseball, and basketball player. He demonstrated moral courage time and time again as he overcame shameful bigotry. Jim Thorpe’s story reminds us of enduring contributions of tribal history to American history, and the ongoing work of healing the souls of our nations. Michelle Yeoh. Michelle Yeoh is one of the most acclaimed actresses of our time. For four decades, she has faced and shattered stigma and stereotypes to form a groundbreaking career as one of the most versatile performers in the world, becoming the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her efforts to advance gender equality, conservation issues, and global health have been felt around the world. Equal parts performer and pioneer, Michelle Yeoh continues to enrich American culture and inspires us to believe in possibilities on the big screen and beyond.

I tell you what, it makes you proud to be an American, doesn’t it? Let’s give one more round of applause for this year’s Presidential Freedom recipients.