Bono was among the recent names of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the US.
This medal is the highest civilian award in the country. It is given to those who ‘have made significant contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other important societal, public, or private efforts.’
On January 4, President Joe Biden awarded the medal to 19 people at a ceremony at the White House. U2’s Bono was honored for his work as ‘a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty.’ The White House stated, “He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED).”
After the event, Bono shared a post on Instagram: “Thank you President Biden. Frontmen don’t do humble, but today I was. Rock n roll gave me my freedom… and with it the privilege to work alongside those who’ve had to fight so much harder for theirs. And I want to give it up for my band mates – Edge, Adam, and Larry – without whom I would never have found my voice.”
Other well-known names who received the award included Michael J. Fox, Denzel Washington, Anna Wintour, Jane Goodall, Hillary Clinton, and George Soros.
Lionel Messi, science broadcaster Bill Nye, and NBA star Magic Johnson were other recipients. Robert F. Kennedy was awarded posthumously.
The ceremony was one of President Biden’s final official duties before Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term on January 20.
