Since President John F. Kennedy established the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963, approximately 650 individuals and organizations have received it.

Presidents Ranked by Number of Honorees

Barack Obama (2009–2017)

123 Medals

Notable Recipients: Ellen DeGeneres, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Biden, Maya Angelou.

Known for honoring many achievers in arts, sports, science, and public service.

Bill Clinton (1993–2001)

113 Medals

Notable Recipients: Rosa Parks, John F. Kennedy (posthumously), Nelson Mandela, Aretha Franklin.

Focused on civil rights, global leadership, and cultural icons.

George W. Bush (2001–2009)

85 Medals

Notable Recipients: Pope John Paul II, Muhammad Ali, Sandra Day O’Connor, Tony Blair.

Emphasized military leaders, religious figures, and international allies.

Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)

36 Medals

Notable Recipients: Mother Teresa, Frank Sinatra, James Stewart, Elie Wiesel.

Often honored individuals from the arts and humanitarian causes.

Donald Trump (2017–2021)

24 Medals

Notable Recipients: Rush Limbaugh, Jim Jordan, Tiger Woods.

Focused on athletes, conservative figures, and military members.

John F. Kennedy (1961–1963)

16 Medals (Posthumously Awarded in 1963)

Notable Recipients: Helen Keller, Robert Frost, John Steinbeck.Established the modern version of the Medal of Freedom.

Richard Nixon (1969–1974)

15 Medals

Notable Recipients: Duke Ellington, Bob Hope, Walt Disney.Focused on cultural and entertainment figures.

Gerald Ford (1974–1977)

11 Medals

Notable Recipients: Walt Disney (posthumously), Joe DiMaggio, Betty Ford. Emphasized cultural icons and personal connections.

Jimmy Carter (1977–1981)

6 Medals

Notable Recipients: Ansel Adams, Alexander Calder.Focused on contributions to the arts and environment.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)

5 Medals

Notable Recipients: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Norman Rockwell.Honored leaders and artists significant to his presidency.

The Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., has been the site of state funerals or memorial services for several U.S. presidents. As of 2024, four presidents have had their funerals or memorial services held there:

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1969)

Date: March 31, 1969.

Details: A memorial service was held at the National Cathedral after Eisenhower's death on March 28, 1969. His body was later interred in Abilene, Kansas.

Eisenhower’s service marked the first state funeral held at the National Cathedral.

Ronald Reagan (2004)

Date: June 11, 2004.

Details: Reagan’s state funeral service was held at the National Cathedral, attended by numerous world leaders, including British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (via a prerecorded message) and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Gerald R. Ford (2007)

Date: January 2, 2007.

Details: Ford’s state funeral included a service at the National Cathedral, attended by then-President George W. Bush, former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, as well as other dignitaries.

George H.W. Bush (2018)

Date: December 5, 2018.

Details: The state funeral for George H.W. Bush featured tributes from world leaders and U.S. presidents, including his son, President George W. Bush.

Other Notable Memorial Services:

Woodrow Wilson (1924): Though Wilson's state funeral occurred elsewhere, he is the only president buried at the National Cathedral.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1973): A memorial service was held at the National Cathedral following his state funeral in Texas.

The history of Air Force One, the official aircraft of the United States president, reflects the evolution of aviation technology, presidential security, and global diplomacy. Although the term "Air Force One" refers to any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the President, it has become synonymous with the highly customized planes designated for presidential travel.

Early Presidential Flights (Pre-WWII)

Before World War II, U.S. presidents primarily traveled by train or ship for security and logistical reasons.

The first president to fly while in office was Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) in 1943.

FDR flew aboard a Pan American Airways Boeing 314 Clipper seaplane to attend the Casablanca Conference during WWII. The flight marked a turning point in presidential travel, showing the advantages of air travel for speed and efficiency.

The Sacred Cow (1944–1947)

In 1944, the U.S. military commissioned the first aircraft designed specifically for presidential use: a Douglas C-54 Skymaster named the "Sacred Cow.”

Key Features:

It included a radio telephone and a retractable elevator to accommodate FDR's wheelchair.

FDR used it only once before he died in 1945. President Harry S. Truman then adopted it as his official plane.

Independence (1947–1953)

Truman replaced the Sacred Cow with a Douglas VC-118 Liftmaster named "Independence" after his Missouri hometown.

The plane featured patriotic livery, including an eagle's head painted on the nose.

Truman was the first president to use an aircraft extensively for official travel.

Columbine Series (1953–1962)

President Dwight D. Eisenhower upgraded to the Lockheed C-121 Constellation and named his aircraft "Columbine II" and later "Columbine III" after the state flower of Colorado, his wife’s home state.

Significant Event: In 1953, the term "Air Force One" was first used. This occurred when an aircraft carrying Eisenhower was confused with a commercial flight. The U.S. Air Force established "Air Force One" as the exclusive call sign for the President's aircraft.

Jet Age: Boeing 707s (1962–1990)

President John F. Kennedy ushered in the Jet Age in 1962 by commissioning a modified Boeing 707 (VC-137C).

Key Features:

Designer Raymond Loewy introduced the now-iconic blue-and-white livery, which features the words “United States of America” and the presidential seal.

The design reflected a sense of national pride, dignity, and modernity.

The Boeing 707 served through Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush administrations.

Notable Moments:

Kennedy’s casket was flown back to Washington, D.C., on Air Force One after his assassination in 1963.

President Richard Nixon famously waved his final farewell aboard Air Force One after resigning in 1974.

The Modern Era: Boeing 747s (1990–Present)

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush introduced the current generation of Air Force One: two highly modified Boeing 747-200B aircraft, designated VC-25A.

Features and Capabilities:

Advanced Communications: Secure communications systems allow the President to conduct business as if at the White House.

Self-Sufficiency: It can refuel mid-air and carry food and medical supplies for long journeys.

Security: Equipped with anti-missile systems and electronic countermeasures.

Interior: Includes conference rooms, a presidential suite, staff seating, and media areas.

These aircraft served every president, from George H.W. Bush to Joe Biden.

Future of Air Force One

The next generation of Air Force One aircraft is currently being developed. Two Boeing 747-8s (designated VC-25B) are scheduled to replace the aging VC-25As.

Upgrades:

Enhanced security systems

Greater fuel efficiency

Updated communication technology.

The new Air Force One planes are expected to enter service by 2029.