Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan, Ellen DeGeneres among stars honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom
For the last time in office, President Obama bestowed the nation's highest civilian honor on 21 individuals from a varying list of categories from science to sports to entertainment. Honorees included actors Robert De Niro and Robert Redford, basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates, and broadcaster Vin Scully. Obama says the people receiving the medal helped push America forward and inspired millions around the world. The award recognizes especially meritorious contributions to national interests and to American culture. Ref. USAToday.