Top US civilian honour goes to 21 artists, athletes

TIL Desk/World/Washington/ President Barack Obama awarded the nation’s highest civilian honour to 21 groundbreaking actors, musicians, athletes and innovators who inspired him over the years and “helped make me who I am.”

“Everybody on this stage has touched me in a very powerful, personal way, in ways that they probably couldn’t imagine,” Obama said in concluding an hour-long ceremony yesterday in the White House East Room.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognises especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, its security and its culture. Obama called the 2016 group a “particularly impressive class.” In the film world, Obama honoured Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Robert Redford and Cicely Tyson.

Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the greatest basketball players ever, were also among the honorees. Obama noted how Jordan’s name is synonymous with excellence.

“There is a reason you call somebody ‘the Michael Jordan of,'” Obama said. “The Michael Jordan of neurosurgery, or the Michael Jordan of rabbis, or the Michael Jordan of outrigger canoeing. Everyone knows what you’re talking about.” Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross were recognised for their music.