Building imaginary homes and cities from scrap material from his grandfathers hardware store. Since then, his work continues to strike a balance between experimentation and functionality, resulting in some of the 20th centurys most iconic buildings. From his pioneering use of technology from inspiring sites that they are his signature style come into his Public Service as a Signature Artist through his work with turnaround arts, frank gehry has proven himself an exemplary person. [applause] margaret hayfield hamilton. [applause] a pioneering technology, National Pioneer in a pioneer in technology hamilton helped , launch an industry that would forever change human history. Her Software Architecture led to giant leaps for human kind, writing the code that helped america step foot on the moon. She broke barriers in founding her own software businesses, revolutionizing an industry and inspiring countless women to participate in stem fields. Her love of exploration and innovation are the source code of the american spirit. Her genius has inspired generations to reach for the stars. [applause] thomas j. Hanks. [applause] throughout a distinguished film career, tom hanks has revealed the character of america, as well as his own, for portraying war heroes and astronauts, ship captain, a cartoon cowboy, a young man growing up too fast and dozens of others, he has allowed us to see ourselves as we are and as we aspire to be. On screens and off, he has honor the sacrifices of those who would served our nation, called on us all to believe and inspire d a new generation of young people to reach for the sky. [applause] debra murray accepting on behalf of her great aunt grace Murray Hopper. [applause] as a child who loved this assembly alarm clocks, disassembling alarm clocks rear , admiral grace Murray Hopper found her calling early, with a phd from yale. Known today as the queen of code, grace hoppers work helps ed make coding language more accessible and practical. She invented the first compiler or translator, a fundamental aspect of our digital world. Amazing grace made the language of Computer Programming more universal. There was a sense of possibility she inspired in generations of young people. [applause] michael j. Jordan. [applause] [laughter] powered by a drive to compete that earned him every major award in basketball, including six nba champions, five most valuable player awards, and gold medals, Michael Jordan has a name that has become synonymous with excellence. His highflying dunks redefining the game, making him a global superstar that transcended basketball and shaped our larger culture. From chapel hill, chicago, his life and example have inspired millions of americans to strive to be like mike. [applause] maya y. Lin. [applause] boldly challenging our understanding of the world, maya lins designs have brought people of all walks of life together in spirits of remembrance, introspection, and humility. The manipulation of natural terrain and topography within her works inspires us to bridge our differences and recognize the gravity of our collective existence. Her pieces have changed the landscape of our country and influenced the dialogue of our society, never more profoundly than with her tribute to the americans who fell in vietnam, by cutting a wound into the earth to create a sacred place of healing in our nations capital. [applause] Lorne Michaels. [applause] one of the most transformative entertainment figures of our time, Lorne Michaels followed his dreams to new york city, where he created a sketch show that brought satire, wits, and modern comedy to homes around the world. Under his meticulous command as executive producer, saturday night live has entertained audiences across generations, reflecting and shaping critical elements of our cultural, political, and national life. Lorne michaels creative legacy stretches into latenight television, sitcoms, and the big screen, making us laugh, challenging us to think, and raising the bar for those who follow. As one of his shows signature characters would say, well, isnt that special . [applause] [laughter] newton n. Minow. [applause] [cheering] as a soldier, counsel to the governor of illinois, chairman of the federal communications commission, and law clerk to the chief justice of the supreme court, newton minows career has been defined by his devotion to others. Deeply committed to his family, the law, and the american people, his dedication to serving and empowering the public is reflected in his efforts to ensure that broadcast media educates and provides opportunity for all. Challenging the media to better serve their viewers, his staunch commitment to the power of ideas and information has transformed telecommunications and its influential role in our society. [applause] dr. Eduardo j. Padron. [applause] as a teenage refugee from cuba, Eduardo Padron came to the United States to pursue the american dream, and he has spent his life making that dream real for others. As president of the Community College he once attended, his thoughtful leadership and commitment to education have transformed Miamidade College into one of the premier learning institutions in the country, earning him praise around the world. His personal story and lasting professional influence prove that success need not be determined by our background, but by our dedication to others, our passion for creating an america that is as inclusive as it is prosperous. [applause] Robert Redford. [applause] Robert Redford has captivated audiences from both sides of the camera through entertaining Motion Pictures that often explore vital social, political, and historical themes. His lifelong advocacy on behalf of preserving our environment will prove as an enduring legacy as will his awardwinning films, as will his pioneering support for independent filmmakers across america. His art and activism continue to shape our nations cultural heritage, inspiring millions to laugh, cry, think, and change. [applause] diana ross. [cheering] [applause] a daughter [laughter] a daughter of detroit, diana ross helped create the sound of motown with her iconic voice. From her groundbreaking work with the supremes, to a solo career that has spanned decades, she has influenced generations of Young Artists and shaped our nations musical landscape. In addition to a grammy Lifetime Achievement award and countless musical accolades, diana ross has distinguished herself as an actor, earning an oscar nomination and a golden globe award. With over 25 albums, unforgettable hit singles, and Live Performances that continue to captivate audiences around the world, diana ross still reigns supreme. [applause] next up, vin scully. [applause] with a voice that transcended a sport and transformed a profession, vin scully narrated americas pastime for generations of fans. Known to millions as the soundtrack of summer, he found time to teach us about life and love while chronicling routine plays and historic heroics. In victory and in defeat, his colorful accounts reverberated through the bleachers, across the airwaves, and into our homes and imaginations. He is an american treasure and a beloved storyteller, and our countrys gratitude for vin scully is as profound as his love for the game. [applause] bruce f. Springsteen. [applause] [cheering] as a songwriter, humanitarian, americas rock roll laureate, and new jerseys greatest ambassador, Bruce Springsteen is quite simply the boss. [laughter] through stories about ordinary people, from Vietnam Veterans to steelworkers, his songs capture the pain and the promise of the american experience. With his legendary e street band, Bruce Springsteen leaves everything onstage in epic, communal Live Performances that have rocked audiences for decades. With empathy and honesty, he holds up a mirror to who we are, as americans chasing our dreams and as human beings trying to do the right thing. There is a place for everyone in Bruce Springsteens america. [applause] bruce bruce [applause] cicely tyson. [applause] for 60 years, cicely tyson has graced the screen and the stage, enlightening us with her groundbreaking characters and calls to conscious humility and hope. Her achievements as an actor, her devotion to her faith, and her commitment to advancing equality for all americans, especially women of color, have touched audiences of multiple generations. From the autobiography of miss jane pittman to sounder to the trip to bountiful, Cicely Tysons performances illuminate the character of our people and the extraordinary possibilities of america. [applause] [cheering] pres. Obama so just on a personal note, part of the reason that these events are so special to me is because everybody on this stage has touched me in a very powerful, personal way, in ways they probably could not imagine, whether it was having been inspired by a song or a game or a story or a film or a monument, or in the case of newt minow, introducing me to michelle [laughter] pres. Obama these are folks who have helped make me who i am and think about my presidency. What also makes it special is this is america. And it is useful when you think about this incredible collection of people to realize that this is what makes us the greatest nation on earth, not because of what we [applause] pres. Obama not because of our differences, but because in our difference, we find something comm to share. And what a glorious thing that is, what a great gift that is to america. So, i want all of you to enjoy the wonderful reception that will be taking place afterwards. Michelle and i have to get back to work, unfortunately [laughter] pres. Obama but i hear the food is pretty good. [laughter] pres. Obama and would like all of you to give one big rousing round of applause to our 2016 honorees for the president ial medal of freedom. Give it up. [cheers and applause] [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2016] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] [indistinct conversation] following the medal of freedom ceremony, we spoke to actors Robert Redford and tom hanks. Host mr. Redford, when did your interest in the environment become your passion . At what point in your life and career . Robert when i was a kid i had a mild case of polio, when i was 11 years old. I was in bed for two weeks. When i got out, my mother wanted to reward me. She drove me to Yosemite National park. That was in the late 1940s. When i saw that park, everything changed for me. I felt that i had witnessed some kind of heaven. It was so powerful i said, i do not want to look at this, i want to be a part of this. It made that strong an impact on me. From that point on, i decided whatever i did in my life, it would be celebrating that. Host do think you made a difference . Robert probably some small difference. Not much, but i think a little bit. I do not know if it is lasting or not. Host let me ask you about this award you received today. What was going through your mind as a president awarded you the highest civilian honor . Robert i wished my parents were alive. I dont think either one of them saw this coming. That would have been nice. Host thank you very much. Tom man oh man, this is like the golden globes. [laughter] tom hi, everybody. Mom, dad, do not fight. Host tom hanks you are one of , the most versatile actors, do you have a favorite character or role . Tom they all overtake. There was favorite jobs. Apollo, we were all in 13, me, kevin bacon, bill paxton, stuck in there hours a day, the conversation got randy in a good way. We had a lot of time to say funny things. Host getting this award from the president what was going , through your mind today . Tom god bless america, how did this happen to me. I think i was up for one of the roles in the screenplay, and here i am instead. There are big moments, one is a phone call that you will be invited, and when you find out who else is invited. I am sitting next to grace hoppers greatniece and people who made literally all the equipment you guys are carrying possible, it is a humbling moment, i must say. In two months, there will be another new occupant of the white house. Donald trump. Tom i know that, i read the results. And . Tom is there a question of there, other than a statement . You know this is america, this , is the way it works. He will get his shot. You know, everybody does and we will see how things go. And if the next new administration is a great for the United States of america i will vote for his , reelection. If not, we will see what happens. Thank you. Tom my pleasure. Nice to see you. Msnbc i watch the msnbc live. Now you have a lot of time to kill, i understand. Quiet, everybody, quiet. Tom hanks that is a nice , piece of bling you have there. What does it mean . Tom not bad. I was told i was getting a shield, so i am a little disappointed. This is a great, incredible moment for all of the hanks family. I must say. I was watching the hanks family. Your wife, rita wilson, videotaped the president s entire speech about you, as if they would not give you a copy of it. They are awfully proud. Tom they are, indeed. It means a great deal to the whole family. Look they are used to me going , away for a long time and cranking out these movies. And then kind of like coming back with odd facial hair. And then out they come, and maybe they work, maybe they dont, but to be up here with them in my own field with the m, like of mr. Redford and cicely tyson and robert de niro, their work means all the world to me. I cannot quite fathom subjectively or objectively what my contribution is to all of the, but i know cinematic arts are important. I think i have done just enough for a free tour of the white house but i am going home with a , little bit better than a coffee cup from the gift shop. So im a very happy man. I saw you give a hug to margaret hamilton, the woman who helped put man on the moon. Tom how about that. How about that. She said on the morning of apollo 13 she was woken up at 2 00 in the morning to work on , the software that was not even called software then. And i said, why could we not know that in the movie . We wouldve made sure we had that moment. You never know who you will meet at the white house. You know the president has , said this is very personal to him. His staff has told me he was involved with these selections from start to finish. These are people he admired and felt should be honored. What does that mean to you . Tom it is intimidating. But, it is not unlike moments i have had where people from all walks of life who have sidled over to me and explained in different words, that at a time they really needed Decent Company i was there in their , living room on some video they had seen or at the time they had someoneng up, i tell me they did not have a positive male influence in their life, but through vh tapes and a couple things on hbo now and again i was. , i know how powerful that bond is between a viewer and what you are seeing, i understand how that investment can pay off. And the fact that the president of the United States on occasion has been involved and become invested in the story that i was help telling, that is a testament to this great business that i lucked into a long time ago. All i can say is god bless america. This isnt supposed to happen to a white boy from oakland, but it did. I will take it. Thank you so much. Are we live . Last one. This was very personal to president obama. How did it make you feel . Tom it made me feel honored. He is a busy man. I think he has got pretty good taste. I would like to think, you know, with the checkered career we all have in our business, i have provided him a couple moments of both solace and inspiration, or pure escapism, i will take any one of the three. Thank you, sir. Congratulations. A quick question. I would love you to talk about margaret. You just mentioned margaret. Women filmmakers, do you think we will get a better shot at the stories women can tell . All these wonderful stories, it s youre an icon. Tom i think there was a tidal wave of diversity coming down because of the amount of work that is done in television, is divided up and there is that artificial barrier between Motion Pictures and television. Motion pictures have to make money, there is a massive economic aspect to it. It is hard to find people that want to pay for product. Television on the other hand, they are clamoring for product. I think an awful lot of people who usually would not get a shot or chance to prove themselves are getting it, even right now. I dont think you have to dig very deeply in order to find women, the great diversity that exists. Look if it is on the screen, it , is filmmaking, period, the end. So, it is there. It will be celebrated more and there is even more coming down the pipe. Thank you. One question for you. Tom which camera is the bbc . Oh, that one right there. Abc news. Im sorry. In forest gump, didnt you win the medal of honor . Tom the medal of honor . In forest gump. Tom oh i was awarded that in front of a fake blue screen on a soundstage at paramount studios. So it is a little different. Different president s, too. When you are actually here in the room, Abigail Adams hung her wet sheets right there, that alters the stakes of the reach of why you are here. What does it mean to you to receive this at the end of the Obama Administration . Tom it is astounding. , there is no small amount of history for the entire family when we come here. According to the calendar by , next january, someone else will be in here it will be a , different administration. All i can hope is that their stewardship for what america is , i think is as fine as the man , we are saying goodbye to. Thank you. Tom youre welcome. If you missed any of this event, you can w