Bono honoured with US presidential medal of freedom

U2 frontman among 19 luminaries to receive top civilian award from President Biden

Washington D.C. – U2’s iconic frontman, Bono, has been bestowed with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States. The announcement came alongside a distinguished list of 19 recipients, including sporting legends, Hollywood icons, and groundbreaking activists, all recognized for their exceptional contributions to American society and global well-being.

Bono’s Activism: Changing lives beyond music

• Global advocate: Renowned not only for his powerful vocals and anthemic music, Bono has dedicated himself to a myriad of humanitarian causes.
• Debt relief champion: He has been a tireless advocate for debt relief in developing nations, raising awareness and mobilizing global action to alleviate the crushing burden of poverty.
• AIDS awareness pioneer: Bono has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the AIDS epidemic in Africa, spearheading initiatives to combat the disease and improve access to life-saving treatments.

A remarkable lineup of medal of freedom recipients

Joining Bono in this year’s esteemed list of recipients are:

• Sporting Greats: Soccer legend Lionel Messi and basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
• Hollywood Legends: Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington and beloved actor Michael J. Fox.
• Fashion Icons: Renowned fashion designer Ralph Lauren and influential Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
• Humanitarian Leaders: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, philanthropist George Soros, and renowned primatologist Jane Goodall.
• Science Educator: The beloved ‘Bill Nye the Science Guy,’ William Nye, recognized for his invaluable contributions to science education.

Posthumous honours

The ceremony will also see posthumous awards bestowed upon:

• Robert F. Kennedy: The former US Attorney General and prominent civil rights advocate.
• Fannie Lou Hamer: A pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, instrumental in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• George W. Romney: Former Michigan Governor and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
• Ash Carter: Former US Secretary of Defense.

Honouring legacy: A prestigious tradition

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

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