Ralph Lauren Receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Ralph Lauren was honored today as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to nineteen recipients chosen by President Joe Biden, in a ceremony held in Washington D.C. The award, which is the nation's highest civilian honor, recognizes influential figures who have made extraordinary contributions to the prosperity, values, and security of the United States, as well endeavors towards peace, across a diverse range of disciplines. Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive this distinction.
The honor recognizes an over-six-decade transformative influence and celebration of the enduring vision of American heritage, its style and culture, as well as its perception worldwide, stewarded by Lauren. The Presidential Medal of Freedom was first established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy and has since been awarded to Martin Luther King Jr., President Ronald Reagan, Maya Angelou, as well as Mother Teresa, Billie Jean King, and Simone Biles. Fellow recipients of this year's honor are José Andrés, Bono, Ashton Baldwin Carter, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Tim Gill, Jane Goodall, Fannie Lou Hamer, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Robert Francis Kennedy, Lionel Messi, William Sanford Nye, George W. Romney, David M. Rubenstein, George Soros, George Stevens Jr., Denzel Washington, and Anna Wintour.
Along with his career in fashion, Lauren has also made notable philanthropic contributions, particularly in the fight against cancer and reducing disparities in cancer care, as well as championing equity and empowering underserved communities worldwide. Throughout his life, Lauren has been the recipient of numerous honors including the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, in recognition of his lifetime of contributions and leadership in preserving the the Star-Spangled Banner, France's Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, and an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for which he was also the first American designer to receive this distinction.
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