Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey were among the 16 Americans that President Obama presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in D.C. today. Other honorees include women's rights leader Gloria Steinem, astronaut Sally Ride, baseball legend Ernie Banks and country singer Loretta Lynn. The award was created 50 years ago by President John F. Kennedy.
"These are the men and women who in their extraordinary lives remind us all of the beauty of the human spirit, the values that define us as Americans, the potential that lives inside of all of us," President Obama said during the ceremony.
Following its conclusion, Obama and Clinton ventured to Arlington National Cemetery for a ceremony at Kennedy's grave. Friday marks the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination.
[via USA Today]
