Ellen DeGeneres Receives Medal Of Freedom Awarded By President Obama At The White House

By Meliza Baker - 24 Nov '16 06:00AM

Ellen DeGeneres, a comedian and TV show host, is among the 21 luminaries who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House on Tuesday. President Obama awarded 19 of the medals, while two were granted to posthumous honorees.

According to Hollywood Life, this is the highest honor any civilian can receive. As stated by the White House, the medal is given 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."

Sporting a maroon plaid suit and black shirt, Ellen was filled with emotions as President Obama stood beside her while her accomplishments were read aloud.

"In a career spanning three decades, Ellen DeGeneres has lifted our spirits and brought joy to our lives as a stand-up comic, actor and television star. In every role, she reminds us to be kind to one another and to treat people as each of us wants to be treated," the announcer said as Ellen tries to control her emotional and welling eyes.

"At a pivotal moment, her courage and candor helped change the hearts and minds of millions of Americans, accelerating our nation's constant drive towards equality and acceptance for all. Again and again, Ellen DeGeneres has shown us that a single individual can make the world a more fun, more open, more loving place so long as we just keep swimming."

President Obama then placed the medal around Ellen's neck and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a hug. The president also praised "The Ellen Show" star for her courage to come out as gay around two decades ago. Ellen was still crying when she returned to her seat next to co-recipient Robert De Niro. Even the Oscar-winning actor comforted her with a hug, Daily Mail reported.

Among the celebrities recognized were Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Bruce Springsteen, and Diana Ross. Legendary basketball players Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were also awarded, as well as broadcaster Vin Scully and philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates. The full list of recipients can be found in the report by Time.

President Obama described them in his words, saying, "Everybody on this stage has touched me in a very powerful, very personal way. These are folks who have helped make me who I am."