The co-founder and former CEO of tech giant Apple Steve Jobs will get the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously on July 7 at the White House by US President Joe Biden.
Biden named 17 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the late tech honcho in one of them. "These 17 Americans demonstrate the power of possibilities and embody the soul of the nation -- hard work, perseverance, and faith," the White House said in a statement.
"They have overcome significant obstacles to achieve impressive accomplishments in the arts and sciences, dedicated their lives to advocating for the most vulnerable among us, and acted with bravery to drive change in their communities..." it added.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the US, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours.
Steve Jobs, who died on October 5, 2011, was the co-founder, chief executive, and chair of Apple, Inc., CEO of Pixar and held a leading role at the Walt Disney Company.A
His vision, imagination and creativity led to inventions that have, and continue to, change the way the world communicates, as well as transform the computer, music, film and wireless industries.
Other honourees include:
Religious figures Sister Simone Campbell and Father Alexander Karloutsos;
Political leaders Gabrielle Giffords and Alan Simpson;
Activists Fred Gray, Diane Nash and Ra l Yzaguirre;
Former University of Texas at Brownsville President Julieta Garcia;
Healthcare worker Sandra Lindsay;
Constitution Literacy and National Unity Project founder Khizr Khan;
US military leader Wilma Vaught.
Steve Jobs, John McCain and Richard Trumka will be honoured posthumously.
