Elton John was moved to tears when US President Joe Biden presented him with the National Humanitarian Medal.
The 75-year-old singer, who was at the White House on Friday, September 23 to appear on A+E and History's 'A Night When Hope and History Rhyme,' looked visibly shocked and moved when the US president announced he was awarding him the medal.
"Tonight I am very honored, and I mean it sincerely, to present the National Humanitarian Medal to Sir Elton John," said Joe Biden.
A White House official elaborated on Elton John's contribution, saying: “The President of the United States presents this National Humanitarian Medal to Sir Elton John for touching our souls with his powerful voice, with some of the most important songs of all time ».
"This is a timeless icon and activist of sheer courage who found purpose to challenge convention, break down stigma and promote a simple truth: that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect," he continued.
The event on the South Lawn of the White House, which was packed with educators, first responders and veterans, was also attended by former First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna Bush Hager, Kendrick, activist Malala Yousafzai and the legendary tennis player Billie Jean King.
During the evening, Elton John enthralled the audience with some of his biggest hits including 'Tiny Dancer', 'Rocket Man', 'Your Song' and 'I'm Still Standing'.
He also spoke about the work he has done since he set up the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1991, adding that he wants to eradicate the disease by 2030.
"We can do it and we will," he said defiantly.
The National Humanities Medal is awarded to people whose work "deepens the nation's understanding of the humanities, broadens citizens' engagement with the humanities, or helps preserve and expand Americans' access to important humanitarian resources."
It has been awarded in the past to, among others, radio host Terry Gross, chef José Andrés and Nobel Peace Prize-winning author Elie Wiesel.
"I am honored to have accepted the National Humanitarian Medal from President Biden and the First Lady during such an impressive event at the White House," Elton John said after the evening.
“It is heartwarming for me to be recognized for the achievements of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Ever since I started the Foundation at my kitchen table in Atlanta 30 years ago, I have made a commitment to leave no one behind, and I will continue that mission,” he continued.
“We are fighting for a future where people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations and gender identities have the opportunity to live free from AIDS, stigma, injustice and abuse – and I am so grateful that recognition like this it brings us one step closer to making it a reality," he emphasized.
"It's up to us to make the world a better, more equal place and Elton is someone who really walks the talk," added David Furnish, chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
“He is so deserving of the National Humanitarian Medal for his continued advocacy of equality both throughout his career and through the Elton John AIDS Foundation. We are very grateful to the History Channel, A+E Networks and the Biden administration for giving us such an impactful platform to help us respond to the urgent needs of people at risk of—and living with—HIV and AIDS,” he said.
