Denzel Washington to receive America's highest civilian honour

Gymnastics star Simone Biles, actor Denzel Washington and the late tech visionary

Steve Jobs have been named as recipients of America's highest civilian honor, the White House said Friday.

President Joe Biden designated 17 Americans to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, three of them posthumous.

The White House said the medal recognizes "exemplary contributions to the

prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other

significant societal, public or private endeavors."

Among the recipients is Megan Rapinoe, the Olympic gold medalist soccer star,

two-time Women's World Cup champion and outspoken advocate on equality, race and LGBTQ issues.

Ahead of a ceremony on July 7, the White House said those honored had