Bay Area author among 19 recipients of Presidential Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON (KGO) -- A big ceremony was held Monday at the White House for this year's recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civil honor.

It is awarded to those who have made extraordinary contributions to the U.S. and the world.

Among this year's 19 recipients are Bay Area author Isabel Allende, as well as Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep, legendary singer Stevie Wonder, retired NBC anchor Tom Brokaw and Ethel Kennedy, the widow of the late Senator Robert Kennedy.

The Medal of Freedom recognizes those individuals who have made an especially admirable contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. The award is not limited to U.S. citizens.