Washington, D.C. — Today, President Joe Biden announced 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In response, Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
President Biden’s historic choices for our nation’s highest civilian honor reflect the ingenuity and tenacity of the American spirit. Today’s awardees include some of the world’s finest artists, athletes, and activists, but what unites them all is their commitment to using their unique talents to make the world a better place. I am thrilled to see him recognize Fannie Lou Hamer, who used her most powerful asset, her voice, to fight for voting rights and economic equality for Black Americans. Nearly a half-century after her death, every American is benefiting from her work to make the country freer, fairer, and more prosperous. I’m also excited that President Biden is recognizing José Andrés, who continues to inspire every day through his commitment to not only feed people at the worst moments of their lives, but also use his celebrity to make sure that the media and the world do not forget them.
The word trailblazer does not do Hillary Clinton justice. There are few other people in contemporary American life who can claim as many honorifics: first lady—of both Arkansas and the United States—senator, secretary of state, and two-time presidential candidate. There are even fewer people who have committed themselves so successfully to as many causes—from advocating for the rights of children to helping to rebuild downtown New York after 9/11. And on a personal level, I’ve been lucky enough to call George Soros a mentor for many years now, and I can unequivocally say the world is freer, fairer, and more open because of George. He is perhaps the world’s greatest living supporter and defender of inclusive democracy, strengthening access to civic participation, and increasing government transparency and accountability.
When I reflect on the legacies of these 19 awardees, more than anything, I am struck by the fact that they chose causes and fights, when victory was far from certain. As we head into this new era of American life, I hope that we can all carry with us their strength of purpose and pertinacity.