Presidential Medal of Freedom (16 images)

President Barack Obama awards the the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court John Paul Stevens during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

President Barack Obama awards the the Presidential Medal of Freedom to astronaut John Glenn during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

President Barack Obama awards the the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Bill Foege during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

President Barack Obama awards the the Presidential Medal of Freedom to civil rights worker Dolores Huerta during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. UPI/Kevin Dietsch