President Biden is presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in a ceremony that provides a feel-good moment for a White House grappling with polls showing an overwhelming majority of Americans think the country is on the wrong track.
Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast in history who has become an advocate for victims of sexual assault, is one of the 17 recipients.
As he delivered remarks in the East Room at the White House, Biden joked, "I don't know if you're gonna find room." He said that she was the youngest person ever to receive the Medal of Freedom and that she turned personal pain into a greater purpose.
Megan Rapinoe was acknowledged by Biden for her campaign for equal pay for women.
Megan is a champion for an American truth: that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, even if they don't win a medal.
The Medal of Freedom is given to people who have made a difference. The award was presented to some of Trump's political allies, including Jim Jordan and Rush Limbaugh.
The labor and civil rights movements are two groups that have been important to Biden's political career.
The late Richard Trumka and Diane Nash were recipients.
The late Senator John McCain received a posthumous award. McCain and Biden were both in the Senate when McCain was the Republican nominee and Biden was the Democratic one. Barack Obama is running for president. Cindy McCain was a supporter of Biden.
Sister Simone Campbell will be honored for her work as an advocate for health care policy, economic justice and immigration reform
The former congresswoman will be honored. Giffords was elected to the Arizona state Senate at a young age and went on to serve in congress. She was shot in the head in 2011. Mark Kelly is up for reelection in the fall.
President Obama surprised Vice President Biden with the medal when he left office. Biden is a "lion of American history" according to Obama.
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