This afternoon President Biden bestowed the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Today's 19 different recipients hail from nearly all corners of American life,

from actors to astronauts, to activists like Opel Lee,

known as the grandmother of Juneteenth.

And to athletes like Katie Ladecki, the most decorated female swimmer of all time.

At the White House, Mr. Biden called them all the pinnacle of leadership in their fields.

61 years ago President Kennedy established the Presidential Medal of Freedom to recognize

quote any person who was made an especially meritorious contribution to the security of national

interests of the United States or world peace, cultural or other significant public or private

endeavors. Today we have another extraordinary honor to bestow in the nation's highest civilian honors

of 19 incredible people whose relentless curiosity and veniveness, ingenuity, and hope have kept faith in a better tomorrow.

Honoree also included a large number of high-profile politicians

South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn, former Senator Elizabeth Dole, former Speaker

Nancy Pelosi, among others.

Biden also honored former Vice President Al Gore, applauding his work on climate change and his

handling of a controversial presidential election.

After winning the popular vote he accepted the outcome of a dispute of presidential

election for the sake of

unity and trust in our institutions. That to me was amazing what you did, Al. I won't

go into that.

This is going to remember you for many reasons.

Among them will be your honesty, your integrity,

...