Basketball legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan and Hall of Fame Dodgers play-by-play announcer Vin Scully were among the list of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients announced by the White House on Wednesday.
"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation's highest civilian honor — it's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better," President Obama said in the news release. "From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way."
The medals — awarded to individuals 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 endeavors — will be presented Nov. 22 at the White House.
Here's how the White House described the three sports-related recipients:
Also announced as recipients Wednesday:
Native American advocate Elouise Cobell (posthumous), actor/comedian Ellen DeGeneres, actor Robert De Niro, physicist Richard Garwin, philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates, architect Frank Gehry, computer scientist Margaret H. Hamilton, actor Tom Hanks, computer scientist Grace Hopper (posthumous), artist/designer Maya Lin, TV producer Lorne Michaels, former FCC chairman Newt Minow, educator Eduardo Padrón, actor/director Robert Redford, singer Diana Ross, singer/musician Bruce Springsteen and actor Cicely Tyson.
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