WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- President Bush presented the Medal of Freedom to Lord Robertson, the secretary-general of NATO Wednesday, calling it a "fitting tribute."
"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is our nation's highest civil award, given to individuals of exceptional merit and integrity," Bush said in remarks delivered in the Roosevelt Room.
He added: "America owes a special debt to Lord Robertson. When our nation was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, Lord Robertson led NATO to invoke, for the first time in its history, Article V, which states that an attack against one NATO ally is an attack against all. Americans will never forget that vital support from our closest allies on one of the darkest days of our history."
Robertson said he was "honored and grateful to receive" the medal.
"This is a great award from a great country. Mr. President, I thank you most sincerely," he said, adding, "Together, we've created a transformed alliance, with new partners, new missions and new capabilities, to stand firm against the new and deadly threats that we face in the 21st century."
