A longtime federal judge and five-term Democratic congressman from Illinois has received America’s highest civilian honor.
Abner Mikva received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It’s reserved for individuals who have made “meritorious contributions” to U.S. security, world peace or cultural endeavors. Mikva, 88, was given the medal alongside fellow recipients like Meryl Streep and Stevie Wonder.
The White House announcement of the medal recipients singled out Mikva as “a dedicated public servant who has served with distinction in all three branches of government.” President Barack Obama previously has acknowledged Mikva as one of his political mentors.