Bono will receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden.

The singer and activist is among 19 people being named today as recipients of the award.

Speaking on ABC News, President Biden said the awards are for ‘great leaders and great people’.

“61 years ago, President Kennedy established a Presidential Medal of Freedom to recognise, quote, ‘Any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the security and national interest of the United States, or world peace, cultural or other significant contributions',” he said.

It is the highest civilian honour in the US – presented to entertainers, sports stars, politicians and diplomats who have helped make America and the world a better place.

Main image: 5/11/2018. U2 Back in Dublin. Photo: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie