Video Highlights From the Medal of Freedom Ceremony
What a group: Oprah Winfrey, Gloria Steinem, and Loretta Lynn were among the 16 recipients of the prestigious Medal of Freedom. Watch highlights of the White House ceremony.
Evan Vucci/AP
On Wednesday, President Obama bestowed America's highest civilian honor to 16 exceptional men and women, from scientists to activists, athletes to musicians, politicians to journalists. In a presentation that combined heartfelt sincerity with playful humor, the president paid personal tribute to each medal winner, extolling their accomplishments and sharing humanizing vignettes. Here are the highlights: the speeches about President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Gloria Steinem, Loretta Lynn, and Ben Bradlee.