President Barack Obama named artist and architect Maya Lin as one of 21 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom today for her significant endeavors in art and design.
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor – it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better,” Obama said in a statement. “From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.”
One of Lin’s notable creations is her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. The memorial is a black, granite wall that has the names of more than 58,000 men and women who served and sacrificed their lives for the Vietnam War.
Lin is currently working on a multi-sited artwork and memorial, “What is Missing?,” bringing awareness to the planet’s loss of habitat and biodiversity.
The Presidential Medal of Free awards will be distributed on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the White House, and the event will be live streamed at www.whitehouse.gov/live.
