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Presidential Medal of Freedom
noun
- a medal awarded by the president of the U.S. to any citizen who has made an exceptionally meritorious contribution to the security or national interest of the U.S., to world peace, or to cultural or other significant endeavors.
Word History and Origins
Origin of Presidential Medal of Freedom1
Example Sentences
She was the first female athlete to receive both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal and she is the founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Assn.
President Joe Biden awarded Simpson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, placing him on a roster that included five social justice activists; leaders in the medical, labor technology and entertainment fields; and Olympic athletes.
In 2019, Woods was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the first Trump administration.
Woods wore his Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was bestowed on him by Trump in 2019 during the president's first term.
She was on hand when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019 and when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2022.
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More About Presidential Medal of Freedom
is the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award presented by the president of the United States to a civilian who has made an exceptional or large contribution to national security, public interest, world peace, or cultural development in America.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States. While the president ultimately decides award winners, candidates are recommended to them by the Distinguished Civilian Service Award Board (DCSAB). The Presidential Medal of Freedom is often awarded to American civilians, but it can be awarded to US military personnel or people from outside the United States.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom itself is a metallic pendant with a large white star, 13 gold stars, gold eagles, and the recipient’s name engraved. It hangs from a blue ribbon that can be worn around the neck or attached to one’s uniform (if the recipient is in the military).
When is the Presidential Medal of Freedom given out?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was created by President Harry S. Truman by Executive Order. It was originally intended to be given out annually on July 4 as part of the United States’ Independence Day, but it can also be given out whenever the president sees fit.
More information and context on the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 1945, Truman signed Executive Order 9586, establishing the Medal of Freedom. It was only to be given out to members of the military and civilians who served the country overseas in any war after 1941, with the intent that it could be used to award those who participated in World War II.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order 11085, which renamed the award the Presidential Medal of Freedom and changed the criteria so that it could be given to any civilian who made a large contribution to security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural, or significant public or private efforts. Kennedy selected his first set of Presidential Medal of Freedom winners before he was assassinated and his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, awarded Kennedy a Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously the following month.
are some terms that often get used in discussing the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
How is the Presidential Medal of Freedom discussed in real life?
Because the Presidential Medal of Freedom is not a common award and is awarded by the president, it is seen as a great honor.
Melinda and I are deeply humbled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for our foundation’s efforts to create a more equal world.
— Bill Gates (@BillGates)
Congratulations Joe Biden on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. An honor so well deserved.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker)
Wonderful news – Meryl Streep has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom! I guess they ran out of Oscars.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow)
Try using Presidential Medal of Freedom!
True or False?
You do not have to be an American citizen to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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