Obama to award Michael Jordan, Tom Hanks, and 19 others the Presidential Medal of Freedom
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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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