Yesterday, January 4, U2’s famed frontman Bono received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. And the Irish singer was just one of quite a few recipients of the honor.
The ceremony also honored a number of famous celebrities, including actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox. Noteworthy figures like Bill Nye, Jane Goodall, and Anna Wintour also received the honor.
Videos by American Songwriter
Bono wrote an op-ed ahead of receiving the esteemed honor from the White House. The op-ed was published in The Atlantic and explores the connection between artistic integrity in music and the desire for freedom.
“The reason I am climbing on this slippery soapbox called ‘freedom’ today is that I’m being given a presidential medal by that name…” Bono wrote in The Atlantic piece shortly before he received the medal. “An honor I’m receiving mainly for the work of others, among them my bandmates and our fellow activists. And it’s got me thinking again about the subject. […] Rock and roll promised a freedom that could not be contained or silenced, an international language of liberation.”
For what it’s worth, the op-ed is a good read and an interesting exploration of the connection between music and personal freedom.
“Thank you President Biden,” Bono also said in a recent social media post. “Frontmen don’t do humble, but today I was.”
Bono went on to say that rock music gave him his “freedom” and the privilege to “work alongside those who’ve had to fight so much harder for theirs.” He also honored his U2 bandmates in the post as well.
Bono’s History of Activism Earned Him the Presidential Medal of Honor
While honoring Bono at the White House, the singer was recognized specifically for being a “pioneering activist” against poverty and the AIDS epidemic. Bono is known for creating The United States PEPFAR AIDS Program. That organization brings together politicians (often from opposing parties) to create initiatives to save the lives of those who are suffering from the disease.
He is also well-known as the co-founder of the organizations (RED) and ONE. Both nonprofits focus on providing relief to those suffering from AIDS, poverty, the effects of climate change, and inequality.
A total of 19 people were given the Presidential Medal of Freedom yesterday. A few additional memorable names include Hillary Clinton, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Ralph Lauren, and Lionel Messi, among others.
Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Images
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.