We knew that Ellen DeGeneres was going to get the Presidential Medal of Honor (President Obama Honors Ellen DeGeneres With Presidential Medal Of Freedom). President Barack Obama made the announcement on Ellen's show and said:
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor – it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better. From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.” – ellentv
Today, she and the other recipients were welcomed to the White House for the award ceremony. Here is Ellen receiving her award. The emotions were flowing.
President Barack Obama awarded the nation's highest civilian honor to 21 groundbreaking actors, musicians, athletes and innovators who inspired him over the years and "helped make me who I am."
"Everybody on this stage has touched me in a very powerful, personal way, in ways that they probably couldn't imagine," Obama said in concluding an hour-long ceremony Tuesday in the White House East Room.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, its security and its culture. Obama called the 2016 group a "particularly impressive class."
In the film world, Obama honored Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Robert Redford and Cicely Tyson.
Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the greatest basketball players ever, were also among the honorees. Obama noted how Jordan's name is synonymous with excellence.
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Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross were recognized for their music.
Other honorees included philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates, comedian Ellen DeGeneres and broadcaster Vin Scully.
Obama said the people receiving the medal helped push America forward and inspired millions around the world.
Posthumous honors went to Native American advocate Elouise Cobell and Rear Adm. Grace Hopper.
Others receiving the award included:
— Richard Garwin, an inventor and polymath physicist who made pioneering contributions to the nation's defense.
— Frank Gehry, one of the world's leading architects.
— Margaret H. Hamilton, a mathematician and computer scientist.
— Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
— Lorne Michaels, producer of "Saturday Night Live"
— Newton Minow, a former Federal Communications Commission chairman devoted to numerous public and charitable causes.
— Eduardo Padron, president of Miami Dade College. – abcnews.go.com
The president even got a little emotional talking about Ellen and her coming out.
Bravo to you all. YEs, Ellen wasn't the only one to attend and receive the award. Below is the entire award ceremony. The pronunciation of Bruce Springsteen's name was a little different and Tom Hanks was very visible and happy throughout the ceremony.
To all the stars and awardees, we thank you!
President Obama Awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom | President Obama is finishing out his second term by honoring some superstars from the worlds of film, TV, sports and music.Robert DeNiro, Tom Hanks, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert Redford and Bruce Springsteen are among the big names who'll receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on Nov. 22 at the White House. Cicely Tyson, Diana Ross, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan are also among the 21 medal recipients, as are Bill and Melinda Gates, sports broadcaster Vin Scully, and "Saturday Night Live" creator and producer Lorne Michaels.
h/t: abcnews.go.com