STORY: With tears in his eyes, Elton John accepted a very special honor at the White House on Friday. After a concert by the British superstar, US President Joe Biden surprisingly awarded the musician and activist in the fight against AIDS the National Humanities Medal. He courageously made it his mission to challenge conventions, overcome stigmatization and represent the truth that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Biden himself has a special connection to John’s music. In his 2017 memoir, he wrote of singing the song “Crocodile Rock” to his son Beau, first as a child and later when his adult son was diagnosed with cancer. “Like so many Americans, our family loves his music. His songs take us back to a time, a place of memory, songs that make each day extraordinary, that help us connect and come alive.” John’s performance was part of a White House celebration of everyday heroes, including nurses, teachers and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights activists. John declined to appear at the inauguration of former President Donald Trump. He gladly accepted the Bidens’ invitation to the White House.