Obama to award Michael Jordan, Tom Hanks, and 19 others the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Before President Obama leaves the White House, he's handing out 21 Presidential Medals of Freedom. The White House announced Wednesday that Obama will present the medals on Nov. 22 to a group that includes Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels; musicians Diana Ross and Bruce Springsteen; actors Robert De Niro, Robert Redford, and Tom Hanks; basketball stars Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; talk show host Ellen DeGeneres; and philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates.
In a statement, Obama said: "These 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way." The medal is considered the nation's top civilian award.
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