This weekend in Washington, D.C. several American icons will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Medal of Freedom recognizes those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." The award can be given to those who have served or currently serving in the military as well.

Bruce Springsteen is receiving the award this weekend. I think it’s deserving as Bruce fits so much of the criteria of the award. Here's why I feel he’s very deserving of The Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Bruce Springsteen - Hulton Archive / Getty Images
Bruce Springsteen - Hulton Archive / Getty Images
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1. A Cultural Icon

Bruce has been a significant cultural icon for years. Selling over 120 million records worldwide, performing in front of millions of people and reaching millions throughout the world through his music.

Bruce Springsteen - Photo by Jemal Countess / Getty Images
Bruce Springsteen - Photo by Jemal Countess / Getty Images
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2. A Philanthropic Icon

Bruce has been a philanthropic icon. Giving literally millions of dollars to charities and lending his name and voice to so many charitable organizations including many here in New Jersey and many throughout the world. He has given to many of these charities with little or no fan-fare or acknowledgement.

Bruce Springsteen - Photo by Michael Buckner / Getty Images
Bruce Springsteen - Photo by Michael Buckner / Getty Images
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3. An Advocate for Social Progress

Bruce has been an advocate for many social causes. He was instrumental in the promotion and constitutional passing of LBGT same sex marriage, Amnesty International and fighting world hunger just to name a few.

Bruce Springsteen - Pool / Getty Images
Bruce Springsteen - Pool / Getty Images
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4. So Many Awards

Bruce has reached the pinnacle in his career by winning 20 Grammy’s, inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Songwriters Hall of Fame, The New Jersey Hall of Fame, a Kennedy Center Honors recipient, two Emmy Awards and an Academy Award. There’s no further recognition awards or accolades that he can receive.

Bruce Springsteen - Photo by Matt Cardy / Getty Images
Bruce Springsteen - Photo by Matt Cardy / Getty Images
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5.The Epitome of the American Dream

Bruce is the epitome of the American Dream rising from a struggled working class living in Freehold to becoming a world known rock superstar. All along his meteoric rise to fame Bruce never forgot his roots and never forgot his fans, continuing to provide entertainment to his throngs of admirers with epic long shows with no signs of ever quitting to live off his fame and fortune.

For all the reasons stated I believe he deserves The Presidential Medal of Freedom. Congratulations to New Jersey’s favorite son, Bruce Springsteen. Way to go Boss!

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