What Do Ellen Degeneres, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, and Diana Ross Have in Common?
Yesterday, Barack Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 21 notable people including Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan, Robert De Niro, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Gates, and Ellen Degeneres. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor a civilian can receive.
Obama said in his speech, "Everyone on this stage has touched me in a powerful personal way. These are folks who have helped make me who I am and think about my presidency.”
According to The New York Times, Barack Obama has given away more Presidential Medals of Freedom than any other president.
However, for Ellen Degeneres the day got off to a rocky start. She apparently forgot her ID and White House security wouldn't let her in.
I know Ellen is one of the most recognizable faces in the country, but if Tom Hanks can remember his ID, so can she. Once inside though, something amazing happened. The Mannequin Challenge was put to shame! When else would this random collection of people be in the White House, of all places, and stand still for a few moments. Hilarious.
A video posted by Ellen (@theellenshow) on