Meryl Streep, Stevie Wonder will receive the Medal of Freedom


President Obama announced Tuesday that Meryl Streep and Stevie Wonder are among the latest Americans who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The president will award the medals on Nov. 24 at the White House. The medal is the highest honor given to civilians in the U.S., The Associated Press reports, and it recognizes "contributions to U.S. security, world peace, and cultural achievement."
Composer Stephen Sondheim, former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw, author Isabel Allende, and Ethel Kennedy are among the other recipients. Choreographer Alvin Ailey and Rep. Edward Roybal (D-Calif.), who founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, will receive the award posthumously.
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"From scientists who kept America on the cutting edge to public servants who help write new chapters in our American story, these citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world," Obama said in a statement.
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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
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