November 16, 2016
President Barack Obama will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to 21 people next week, including to one rock star who calls the Philadelphia area a second home.
New Jersey native Bruce Springsteen will receive the honor given to people "who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security of national interest of the United States ... or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors," according to a White House news release.
Springsteen joins of Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Bill and Melinda Gates and Tom Hanks who will receive the award this year.
"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," Obama said in a 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."
Springsteen is being recognized for having "helped shape American music."
The awards will be presented to the recipients at the White House on Tuesday and streamed live.
Here's the list of all 21 who received the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom:
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
-Elouise Cobell
-Ellen DeGeneres
-Robert De Niro
-Richard Garwin
-Bill and Melinda Gates
-Frank Gehry
-Margaret Hamilton
-Tom Hanks
-Grace Hopper
-Michael Jordan
-Maya Lin
-Lorne Michaels
-Newt Minow
-Eduardo Padrón
-Robert Redford
-Diana Ross
-Vin Scully
-Bruce Springsteen
-Cicely Tyson
