The Medal of Freedom, established by John F. Kennedy in 1963, honours those who have made outstanding contributions to US national interests, world peace, or cultural and humanitarian efforts. While Kennedy would collate a list of nominees, he would never award the medal himself.

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Biden’s awards have been noted for their balance, recognising civil rights activists and charity leaders. Previous British and Irish recipients include Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, Stephen Hawking, and Mary Robinson – the last Irish recipient in 2009. Bono joins a list of celebrated musicians such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan.

Bono’s recognition stems from his activism, particularly through organisations like ONE and (RED). ONE focuses on fighting poverty and preventable diseases, recently addressing COVID-19 misinformation. (RED), meanwhile, raises funds for HIV/AIDS programmes through partnerships with major multinational companies like Apple and Nike.  

The White House statement noted Bono’s ability to unite politicians, citing his role in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This programme, launched under George W. Bush and supported by then-Senator Biden, has saved millions of lives.

Walls really do tumble. But the cause of freedom is a call to action for each new generation, Bono writes. https://t.co/s2idn143rD — The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) January 4, 2025

In a piece published the morning of the ceremony, Bono said in The Atlantic: “Freedom is a word that turns up with embarrassing frequency in rock-and-roll songs, but if we’re honest, the freedom musicians are most interested in is our own. The reason I am climbing on this slippery soapbox called “freedom” today is that I’m being given a presidential medal by that name—an honour I’m receiving mainly for the work of others, among them my bandmates and our fellow activists.”

Bono’s connection to Joe Biden is stronger than some may expect. Their relationship began nearly 25 years ago during Bono’s debt relief campaign, when the senator impressed him with his Seamus Heaney quotes and passion for the cause. More recently, Bono attended Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address as a guest of First Lady Jill Biden, in recognition of his HIV/AIDS advocacy.

It’s a beautiful day to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom! Congratulations Bono! https://t.co/v7AoUqwC9Z

— U.S. Embassy Dublin (@USEmbassyDublin) January 4, 2025

While the US Embassy in Dublin celebrated Bono’s achievement with the post, “It’s a beautiful day to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom!”, reactions from fans in the US were more varied. Fans joked on Reddit: “The nation is finally forgiving him for putting an album on everyone’s phone in 2014.”

Comment byu/R1MBL from discussion inU2Band

Bono’s accolades extend beyond his new medal. In 2007, he was made a Knight Commander of the British Empire – though, being Irish, he cannot use the title “Sir”. He has also received honours in France and Portugal, with recognition for his music and humanitarian efforts.

This latest recognition highlights Bono’s legacy in more than one field. While his music remains iconic, it is his activism that may define his impact in the years to come. As Bono himself said, “Freedom must be re-won by each generation.”

Horan took to social media to announce the song titles, which are as follows:

1. Heaven

2. If You Leave Me

3. Meltdown

4. Never Grow Up

5. The Show

6. You Could Start A Cult

7. Save My Life

8. On A Night Like Tonight

9. Science

10. Must Be Love

THE SHOW. JUNE 9. https://t.co/CONzy9aj5i pic.twitter.com/kYj3fZLALs

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 26, 2023

Fans were also treated to small snippets of each track in a video that Horan shared on TikTok.

Which song are ya most excited for ? #THESHOW https://t.co/Lp21lVphQn — Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 27, 2023

The Show is the star’s third album, with Horan taking to social media to say, “This album is a piece of work I’m so proud of and now it’s time to pass it over to you to go and make it your own. Thank you so much for being there for me all this time and I can’t wait to share the next couple of years of this new era with you. I’ve missed you all so much. It’s good to be back.”

Horan released the first single, “Heaven,” from the album back in February.

Talking to Rolling Stone about the track, he said, “One thing I’ve learned over the years is that society loves to pressure us into reaching certain milestones by a certain age. Whether that’s getting married or anything else that really should be based on our own instincts. As I’ve gotten older I’ve tried to let go of those expectations and just follow my heart.”

He continues, “The chorus of this song is saying that what I have in my life currently is amazing. So it would be crazy to ruin that by giving into outside pressures.”

The new album will be just another thing for Horan to take in his stride after an already packed year. Earlier this month, Horan was invited to perform at The White House as part of President Joe Biden’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Taking to Twitter, Horan said “it’s an honour to be invited and represent my country.“

It’s an honour to be invited and represent my country. Looking forward to performing and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the White House tomorrow https://t.co/iGODUCH4f2

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 16, 2023

Horan also recently announced a number of festival appearances that he’ll be making in 2023, hinting at a tour to follow his album release.

See Niall Horan perform here:

18/06/2023 – Isle of Wight Festival – Isle of Wight

07/07/2023 – TRNSMT Festival – Glasgow

Stream “Heaven” here.