Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesThe late Elvis Presley is one of seven noteworthy Americans who will be recognized this week by President Donald Trump with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor. The awards will be presented at a ceremony held this Friday, November 16, at the White House.
The Medal of Freedom 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,” according to the White House.
A statement issued by the White House maintains that Presley, who died in 1977, “defined American culture to billions of adoring fans around the world,” explaining that he “fused gospel, country, and rhythm and blues to create a sound all his own, [while] selling more than a billion records.” The note also points out that Elvis served for almost two years in the U.S. Army, “starred in 31 films,” and “earned 14 Grammy Award nominations,” while winning three of Grammys for his gospel music.
The other honorees this year are late baseball legend Babe Ruth, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia, Senator Orrin Hatch, Pro Football Hall of Famer and judge Alan Page, and doctor and humanitarian Miriam Adelson.
Visit WhiteHouse.gov for full details about the latest group of Medal of Freedom honorees.
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