My Day at the White House to Receive the Medal of Freedom

It means so much to me to be recognized for public service, something which I have built my life around. But I know this award isn’t just for me and my work. It’s for every person who has joined our movement for change. Every survivor, responsible gun owner, and advocate who is just as dedicated to saving lives as I am. 

We have all stood shoulder to shoulder, refusing to let the gun lobby put Americans in harm’s way. Our collective strength led to the first significant gun safety legislation to be signed into law in nearly 30 years—and it’s going to keep us fighting for the next 30 years, until our nation is free from gun violence.

I’ve done my best to live my life with courage, and I know I’m not the only one. I stood alongside 16 other honorees today, all of whom have shattered the expectations set for them and have blazed a bright path forward for us all. 

Honorees like Megan Rapinoe, a star on the US women’s soccer team who has used her platform to fight for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice. Like Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast in history who has spoken her truth time and again, no matter the personal cost. Like my friend, the late Senator John McCain, who embodied courage and who loved Arizona just as much as I do. It was an enormous privilege to receive the Medal of Freedom alongside all of these strong, fearless leaders.