President Barack Obama paid tribute to President John F. Kennedy today, as he handed out the Medal of Freedom, a honor created by Kennedy. The recipients today included former President Bill Clinton, media mogul Oprah Winfrey and country icon Loretta Lynn.
Baseball star Ernie Banks, astronaut Sally Ride and women’s rights activist Gloria Steinem were among the other honorees. “These are men and women who in their extraordinary lives remind us all of the beauty of the human spirit,” Obama said during the White House ceremony, reports USA Today.
Obama spoke about each of the 16 honorees individually. “I'm grateful, Bill, as well, for the advice and counsel that you've offered me, on and off the golf course,” Obama said of Clinton, reports The New York Times. “And most importantly, for your lifesaving work around the world, which represents what's the very best in America.”
Ride received her honor posthumously. She was the first American woman in space and died in June 2012. Obama recognized her as a role model for all young girls. “Today our daughters, including Malia and Sasha, can set their sights a little bit higher because Sally Ride showed them the way,” he said.
The president called Winfrey “the pinnacle of the entertainment universe,” adding, "Her message was always, 'you can.’”
Clinton and Obama are also heading to the Arlington National Cemetery today to lay a wreath in honor of Kennedy at the eternal flame at Kennedy’s grave. This Friday marks the 50th anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination on Nov. 22, 1963.
image: ABC