Presidential Medal of Freedom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Presidential Medal of Freedom |
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|---|---|
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| Awarded by the President of the United States of America | |
| Type | Medal |
| Awarded for | "An especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." |
| Statistics | |
| Distinct recipients |
Unknown; an average of fewer than 11 per year since 1993 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | None |
| Equivalent | Congressional Gold Medal |
| Next (lower) | Presidential Citizens Medal |
.PNG){kind=small} .png){kind=small} Service ribbon of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (left: Medal with Distinction) |
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The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award given by the President of the United States. It recognizes those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors". The award is not limited to U.S. citizens and, while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel and worn on the uniform.
It was established in 1963 and replaced the earlier Medal of Freedom that was established by President Harry S Truman in 1945.
Images for kids
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The Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, as worn with white tie
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A. Philip Randolph receiving the Medal from President Lyndon Johnson at one of the first ceremonies, 1964
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President Richard Nixon presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Duke Ellington, 1969
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President Gerald Ford awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to Martha Graham, 1976
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President Ronald Reagan presenting Mother Teresa with the award, 1985
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Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher receiving the award, in its unusual bow form, from President George H. W. Bush, 1991
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Rosa Parks receives the award from President Bill Clinton, 1996
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Fred Rogers smiles as he receives the award from President George W. Bush, 2002
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President Barack Obama awards the medal with Distinction to Vice President Joe Biden, 2017. Biden was the first president to receive the award before assuming office.
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President Donald Trump presents the Medal to Tiger Woods, 2019
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See also
In Spanish: Medalla Presidencial de la Libertad para niños
