a medal awarded by the president of the U.S. to any citizen who has made an exceptionally meritorious contribution to the security or national interest of the U.S., to world peace, or to cultural or other significant endeavors.
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a ↑medal in the US that is the highest award a person can be given during a time of peace
Culture:
The medal was established as the Medal of Freedom in 1945 and was given its new name in 1963 by President ↑Kennedy 5. It is given to people who have an important positive effect on US interests, world peace, culture or society. People who have received the award in recent years include Colin Powell, Thurgood Marshall and Arthur Ashe.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.