Tonight, 19 new recipients of the presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, a class of athletes, actors, politicos, scientists, and cultural icons.

You feed the hungry. You give hope to those that are hurting. And you craft the signs and sounds of our movements and our memories.

A lengthy standing ovation for Hillary Clinton. The former first lady, senator and Secretary of State applauded as the first major party female nominee for President. Biden also praising chef and humanitarian Jose Andrés, his World Central Kitchen, soldiering into war zones and communities devastated by natural disasters to help people in dire need. And a powerful moment with Michael J. Fox. Fighting the ravages of Parkinson's disease, the star of TV and film, taking to the stage as an advocate for Parkinson's research and development. The presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to George W. Romney. An emotional former Senator Mitt Romney accepting the honor for his father, a former Michigan governor and auto industry executive. President Biden also celebrating the basketball career, business acumen, and community activism of Magic Johnson. Magic helping Biden easily drape his medal despite their nine-inch height difference. Suave Denzel Washington lauded as one of the greatest actors of our time, marking the moment with a long embrace for Biden, who's bestowing his last round of medals just days before the end of his presidency.

I'm grateful for the work in the work he'll inspire for generations to follow.

Aaron Gilchrist, NBC News, Washington.

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