Bono: Joe Biden honors celebrities with Medal of Freedom

U2 singer Bono (64) was delighted to receive the USA’s highest civilian award on Saturday (January 4th). The outgoing US President Joe Biden (82) awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Irish musician, who is known for his political and social commitment, thanked him for the special award in an Instagram post.

“Thank you, President Biden,” he wrote alongside a picture that captured the two meeting in the White House. “Frontmen aren’t humble, but today I was. Rock’n’Roll gave me my freedom, and with it the privilege of working alongside those who had to fight so much harder for their freedom.” He also wanted to thank his bandmates – Edge, Adam and Larry – “without whom I would never have found my voice.”

The honors recognized Bono’s commitment in addition to music: “Bono is the frontman of the legendary rock band U2 and a groundbreaking activist against AIDS and poverty.” He brought together politicians from different parties to create the American AIDS program Pepfar and is a co-founder of the campaign organizations One and (Red).

A total of 19 personalities were honored, including “Vogue” boss Anna Wintour (75), US Democrat Hillary Clinton (77), the Canadian-American actor Michael J. Fox (63), US designer Ralph Lauren (85 ), the British behavioral scientist Jane Goodall (90), US actress Denzel Washington (70) and the Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi (37). Not all of those honored picked up the medal in person.

“These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place,” the statement said. “They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”