Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Joe Biden. The U2 frontman is among 19 people who will receive the award at a ceremony on Saturday. The medal is the USA's highest civilian honour and today will be the final time it will be handed out by President Biden before his term comes to an end later this month.
The medal honours people who have "made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours". The Dubliner is among 19 high-profile names to receive the medal this year. Former first lady Hillary Clinton, footballer Lionel Messi , basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and actor and activist Michael J Fox are also among the honourees.
Fashion designer Ralph Loren, billionaire and philanthropist George Soros and actor Denzel Washington will also receive the award. The honour is bestowed at the discretion of the US President although an outside advisory panel often help to select recipients. The White House said in a statement today: "President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else.
"These 19 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." The medal was first established by President John F Kennedy, whose brother Robert has.
