President Biden Surprised Elton John With Humanities Honor

President Biden surprised Elton John, legendary pop singer and songwriter, Friday night with the National Humanities Medal leaving the ‘Tiny Dancer’ singer “flabbergasted and humbled.” https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1573506691009757184 From the Washington Post:

Flanked by the president and first lady, John, wearing his signature red-tinted spectacles, looked visibly shocked as he first spotted the medal, covering his face with his hands in disbelief.

“I’m never flabbergasted, but I’m flabbergasted and humbled and honored by this incredible award from the United States of America,” he said, overcome, moments after clutching Jill Biden’s hand and hugging her husband. “I will treasure this so much.”

With the White House as his backdrop, John opened with “Your Song,” followed by classics including “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man” and “Crocodile Rock.” He closed with the jaunty “I’m Still Standing.”

In between songs, the Oscar and Grammy Award winner shared his hopes of seeing HIV/AIDS eradicated by 2030. Having launched the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, he’s raised over $450 million for numerous programs across four continents. The Friday night concert event – “A Night When Hope and History Rhyme” – honored “everyday history-makers” in the audience including teachers, military families and LGBTQ advocates. Among those recognized was Javier Gomez, a student from Miami. When Florida Governor Ron DeSantis passed the Don’t Say Gay law targeting the LGBTQ community, Gomez led students in protesting the hateful legislation. Read the full report here. https://twitter.com/eltonofficial/status/1573522228314083328 https://twitter.com/TheResisterHQ/status/1573832451486785536