[applause] [applause] jane rigby.applause] a daughter of the great state of delaware, jane rigby's passion for astronomy began as a child peering at the stars through a small telescope in a soybean field. following her instincts and imagination, she has become a pioneering astrophysicist now managing the james webb space telescope, the most powerful telescope ever launched into space. a brilliant, prolific author, dr. rigby is an inspiration and tireless champion for the lgbtqi plus community in both her professional and public life. she reminds us to never lose our sense of wonder, hope, and spirit of adventure as americans. [applause] teresa romero. [applause] a trailblazing labor leader, teresa romero is a champion for farmworkers across the fields, orchards, and vineyards of america that feed our nation. born in mexico, she has built an american life and -- in service to others, standing up for one of our most vulnerable, yet essential, groups of workers giving them the voice, hope, and inspiration to push for cha

jane rigby. teresa romero. judy shepard. gail lynn hannon accepting on behalf of of francis thorpe. -- james francis thorpe. and, michelle yo. -- michelle yeoh. distinguished guests, the president of the united states. >> please, have a seat. >> i told my buddy john kerry for the first two years i would hear hail to the chief i would look around like, where is he? it's great to see you all. thank you for being here at one of our favorite events at the white house. 61 years ago president kennedy established the presidential medal of freedom to recognize "any person who made an especially meritorious contribution to the security and national interest of the united states or world of peach, cultural, or other significant public or private endeavors. " the first class of medal recipients included the great eb white. years after receiving the metal he received a letter for someone that asked how he maintained faith in humanity and he replied relentless curiosity and inventive ingenuity have led to deep trouble. you can only hope