Wednesday, November 23, 2016

US President Barack Obama presents Medal of Freedom to Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Diana Ross and Bill Gates


In one of his last acts as commander-in-chief, the US President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Freedom to 21 "extraordinary Americans" who have "lifted our spirits, strengthened our union and pushed us towards progress".
Prominent among them are Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Diana Ross and Bill Gates. Medal of Freedom is America's highest civilian honour.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 23 November 2016.
In the course of the ceremony at the White House, President Obama said the groundbreaking actors, musicians, athletes, philanthropists and scientists had inspired millions around the world.
Others in the list of awardees are - basketball stars Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, actor Robert Redford, comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres, sports broadcaster Vin Scully and scientists Richard Garwin and Margaret Hamilton.
In his closing speech, the President said the recipients were people who made America special, adding: "This is what makes us the greatest nation on Earth."
Incidentally, the award is presented to people "who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours". Previous recipients honored by President Obama include Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep and Stevie Wonder.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

President Pranab Mukherjee to be present for Vikramshila Mahotsav

Baliyatra fair on the banks of the Mahanadi sees over one lakh visitors on opening day

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to bury the hatchet and work together to fight terrorism


Lord Shiva and long ATM queues - bullock carts and ATM don't gel (satire)

Moody fires cannons to eliminate mosquitoes (satire)

Fuchka Festival in Kolkata and selfies (satire)


Spanish police arrest two suspected ISIS terrorists in Barcelona and Madrid

At least 52 killed and more than 100 injured in a bomb blast at a remote Sufi shrine in Pakistan

Joint action by RFA, Royal Navy and US Coast Guard nets huge haul of cocaine from the sea


La La Land to have its Indian premiere at the Jio MAMI Film Club

Jackie Chan gets an Oscar after a 56-year career

Spider-Man: Homecoming will see Michael Keaton as Spider-Man's main adversary Vulture

No comments:

Post a Comment