“From public servants who helped us meet defining challenges of our time to artists who expanded our imaginations, from leaders who have made our union more flawless to athletes who have inspired millions of fans, these men and women have enriched our lives and helped define our shared experience as Americans”.
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President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Willie Mays during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House Tuesday, November 24, 2015, in Washington.
Mays is among 17 people will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Spielberg, 68, has directed some of the best-known American movies over the last several decades such as the Indiana Jones series, and ET. Sondheim has received eight Grammy Awards, eight Tony Awards, an Academy Award, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Emilio Estefan, 62, is a producer who was also part of Miami Sound Machine, and worked with Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin in addition to his wife.
Obama peppered his comments about folk singer James Taylor with direct quotes from his catchiest tunes, including “You’ve Got a Friend”.
He had his first number one album this year with Before This World.
The list included film director Steven Spielberg, actress and singer Barbara Streisand and baseball legend Willie Mays. Of Berra, the president said he was born to play baseball but noted that he also served in World War II.
However, this award will be greater than any award he won in Major League Baseball.
The politicians bestowed the honor are Democrats: Sen.
She died in 2005 following a seven-term career in the house where she was a founding member of what would become the Congressional Black Caucus.
Posthumous recipients include former NY Yankees catcher, Yogi Berra, Rep. Shirley Chisholm, native American tribal advocate, Billy Frank Jr., and civil rights advocate, Minoru Yasui.
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“We are just reminded when we see these individuals on the stage what an incredible tapestry this country is, and what a great blessing to be in a nation where individuals as diverse, from wildly different backgrounds, can help to shape our dreams”, he said.
