On January 6, 2025, President Joe Biden held an illustrious ceremony at the White House, bestowing the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom upon 19 individuals who have made significant contributions to society across various sectors. Among the honorees were actor and Parkinson's disease advocate Michael J. Fox and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, representing excellence from fields such as entertainment, sports, and civil rights.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom stands as the highest civilian honor, recognizing those who have excelled through exemplary contributions to the United States and the world. During the event, President Biden emphasized the impact of the recipients saying, "You defend the values of America, even when they're under attack. Together, you leave an incredible mark on our country, with insight and influence felt around the globe." This ceremony marked the concluding presentation of the award by Biden during his presidency.
Michael J. Fox, celebrated for his role as Marty McFly in the iconic "Back to the Future" film series, has also gained prominence for his relentless advocacy for Parkinson's disease research after being diagnosed with the condition himself. Founded by Fox, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has allocated over $2 billion since its inception, supporting exemplary research aimed at improving treatments and discovering new pathways for biomarker discovery and care innovations.
Fox's efforts have significantly raised awareness around Parkinson's disease, showcasing not only his talent and charm but his resilience and commitment to making life easier for those affected by the illness. Reacting to the honor, Fox shared, "Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom is humbling, an honor I could never have anticipated. I’m grateful for this recognition, which I share with the patients, families, and researchers who have brought us closer to ending Parkinson’s disease once and for all." His foundation's projects include the groundbreaking 2023 discovery of a Parkinson’s biomarker, which is expected to accelerate clinical trials.
Among the other honorees were iconic Hollywood figures like Denzel Washington and chefs like José Andrés, known for his humanitarian efforts through the World Central Kitchen initiative. Washington's long-spanning career has elevated the representation of Black Americans within the film industry. He thanked Biden and acknowledged the honor, reflecting on the importance of their collective work.
Athlete Lionel Messi, acknowledged not only for his remarkable soccer career but also for his philanthropic endeavors, was awarded the medal though he was absent from the ceremony. Basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson's influence transcended sports as he was also recognized for his extensive philanthropic work. Biden said of Johnson, who humorously bent down so Biden could put the medal around his neck, "You are proud to see someone who has played at the highest level and continues to give back to the community. That’s the spirit of excellence we celebrate today."
Other noted recipients included conservationist Jane Goodall, LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill, and fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Each of these figures has demonstrated dedication to their fields and has made contributions to social causes, aligning perfectly with the spirit of the Medal of Freedom which honors individuals who embody the best of what America stands for.
The breadth of this year’s recipients showcases the diversity of contributions from various areas including culture, sports, philanthropy, and public policy. President Biden’s remarks encapsulated this sentiment, stating, "These 19 Americans are great leaders who have made America a fairer and more just place. They are extraordinary individuals," which rung true as guests and honorees reflected on their individual journeys.
This ceremony concluded with hopes for continued contributions from these leaders as they inspire the next generation. Each honoree’s story adds to the legacy of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, urging others to pursue excellence and advocacy within their own lives. The medal serves as not just recognition of past achievements but as encouragement for future endeavors aimed at societal growth and improvement.
The 2025 Medal of Freedom ceremony was not only historic due to the number of recipients but also significant as it exemplified the resilience of those honored and President Biden's commitment to acknowledging the power of compassion and collective efforts to create positive change. Reflecting on this, Biden's ceremony underscored the importance of recognizing those who not only excel but also uplift their communities, inspiring everyone to strive for excellence and equity.