William Brangham: This afternoon, President Biden bestowed the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Today's 19 different recipients hail from nearly all corners of American life, from actors to astronauts to activists, like Opal Lee, known as the grandmother of Juneteenth, and to athletes like Katie Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer of all time. At the White House, Mr. Biden called them all the pinnacle of leadership in their fields.

Joe Biden, President of the United States: Sixty-one years ago, President Kennedy established the Presidential Medal of Freedom to recognize — quote — "any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the security of national interest — and national interest of United States or world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Today, we have another extraordinary honor to bestow on the nation's highest civilian honors of 19 incredible people whose relentless curiosity, inventiveness, ingenuity and hope have kept faith in a better tomorrow.