Congressional Gold Medal nominees

Plaques honoring Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty are displayed at the Mt. Soledad memorial in San Diego. The former Navy SEALs were working as security contractors when they were killed in an attack near a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

July 4, 2014 7:30 PM PT

A look at some of the individuals and groups recently proposed for the highest honor Congress gives to civiilians.

Singer, actress and dancer Lena Horne, shown in 1997, was nominated in recognition of her contributions to American culture and the civil rights movement. (John Abbot / Associated Press)

Muhammad Ali stands over Sonny Liston in 1965. “It is long past time to recognize and honor an American civil rights activist and sporting legend with Congress’ highest honor,” said Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.). (John Rooney / Associated Press)

Long-time women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt was nominated “in recognition of her remarkable career as an unparalleled figure in women’s team sports, and for her courage in speaking out openly and courageously about her battle with Alzheimer’s.” (Mel Evans / Associated Press)

The Freedom Rides, from May to November 1961, included more than 400 black and white Americans who risked their lives to challenge the South’s Jim Crow laws. The Rev. Reginald Green, center, joins fellow Freedom Riders this year for the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act. (Connor Radnovich / Associated Press)

Sally Ride was the first American woman to travel into space. (AFP/Getty Images)

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Congressional Gold Medal nominees

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