This Saturday, the President of the United States awarded the Spanish chef José Andrés with the Presidential Medal of Freedomthe country’s highest civilian honor, at an awards ceremony held at the White House and attended by other celebrities and public figures in that country.
Among the 19 honored There are also the Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi, the former North American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the philanthropist and main Democratic donor George Soros, and Robert F. Kennedy, to whom the recognition has been awarded posthumously.
Regarding José Andrés, who attended the ceremony in person, the White House has highlighted their work to bring food in war zones or in places devastated by natural disasters, in work that is sometimes very risky, as was seen in the Gaza Strip, where several collaborators from his NGO died due to Israeli air attacks.
“Jose Andrés He came to the US with little money and big dreams. Over three decades, he mastered his culinary art with renowned restaurants that embrace cultures and gastronomy and unite people,” said the event’s master of ceremonies, before presenting the medal to the Spanish chef. He added that José Andrés “He taught us that there is a place for everyone at the table.”
In 2024 its presence has also been noticeable in Valenciaafter the devastating storm that affected that Spanish province. But also has helped populations in Puerto Ricoafter tropical storm ‘Ernesto’, Ukraine or Greece, devastated by forest fires.
The winners have been chosen for being “truly extraordinary peoplewho have made an effort to shape the American culture and cause,” President Joe Biden explained in a speech before presenting the medal.
The conservationist and scientist Jane Goodall and several actors, athletes or entertainment figures, such as the U2 singer Bondthe actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, footballer Lionel Messi and basketball player Magic Johnson, as well as fashion icons Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren, have also been awarded.
However, only some of those awarded were physically present at the ceremony and some figures such as Messi or the philanthropist and major Democratic donor George Sorosthey have absent of the event.
Together with his wife, Jill Biden, the acting US president thanked the entire group for bringing “healing and joy to so many people.”
“Thank you so much for everything you have done to help this country, you literally They embody the creed of this country“said Biden, in what was his last delivery of these decorations, which are celebrated annually, before leaving the presidency in favor of President-elect Donald Trump.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a decoration awarded by the president of the United States and is considered a the highest decoration of the country.
It is designed to provide recognition to people who have carried out a especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world or cultural peace or in other public or private initiatives.
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