On November 22nd, President Obama gave an important medal to a woman who has been part of many important moments to families all across America for years now. She’s been part of our smiles, part of our tears, part of our joys, and part of our sorrows – she’s more than a television personality, she’s an idol, she’s Ellen.
Ellen has, after ‘coming out’ during a time when the general public was still very close minded to homosexuality, been an advocate for equality, love, and pride and in doing so has become a voice for everyone who wasn’t able to speak for themselves. She stood as a pillar of light and of hope when young adults across the US felt like they were stuck in the dark and a source of love and compassion when they felt like they were not deserving of the emotions. Ellen has been a positive spirit who has likely encouraged all of us at some point, and there’s no person more deserving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
https://twitter.com/EllenReaction/status/801234293670477824
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor a civilian can receive. The medal recognizes extraordinary contributions to world peace, culture, and of other national interests.
When presenting Ellen with the award, President Obama said this of her incredible selflessness.
“What an incredible burden that was to bear – to risk your career like that – people don’t do that very often. And then, to have the hopes of millions on your shoulders.”
Ellen didn’t stop taking risks or carrying the hopes of millions on her shoulders after she began living her truth, if anything, she began making more moves and carrying more dreams and because of her, the world is a lot brighter. From giving money, cars, food, homes, and hope to many people on her television show and taking part in charity drives and events all across the globe to just dancing on her television and laughing with her audience; she is an immovable force of goodness.
When the world was unkind to Ellen and when she had every reason to give up hope and stop believing in kindness, she stood in the face of adversity with a smile. She woke up day in and day out and tried that much harder to spread joy, acceptance, and love. She is proof that if your heart is good, no source of evil and no amount of wrongdoing will ever be able to undo it.
Thank you, Ellen, for all of your love and light, we are encouraged by your bright spirit daily.
