Today, President Joe Biden honored 19 individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including U2’s Bono. The ceremony took place at the White House, and other recipients included Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Denzel Washington, and more.

The White House states that the medal is “presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” as per NBC.

“These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place,” the statement continued. “They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”

Bono (@U2 @RED @ONECampaign) receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/5GsCiJr65z

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 4, 2025

“Thank you President Biden,” Bono wrote on Instagram. “Frontmen don’t do humble, but today I was. Rock n roll gave me my freedom… and with it the privilege to work alongside those who’ve had to fight so much harder for theirs. And I want to give it up for my band mates – Edge, Adam, and Larry – without whom I would never have found my voice.” The musician and activist also shared an essay titled “The Gorgeous, Unglamorous Work Of Freedom” at The Atlantic.