President Barack Obama awarded 16 Americans who have made monumental contributions to U.S. culture, politics, sports and sciences the Medal of Freedom on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Among those to receive the highest U.S. civilian honor in the group were former President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey. The event was a show of respect and honor for former President John F. Kennedy who signed an executive order for the medal before his assassination, Reuters reported.
According to White House officials, the event was scheduled during the week of the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's assassination as a way to celebrate the 35th president, instead of doting on the circumstances of his death, according to Reuters.
Others to receive the Medal of Freedom was former Chicago Cubs star Ernie Banks, country singer Loretta Lynn and a former editor for the Washington Post, Ben Bradlee, Reuters reported.
The past few months have been ones of tension between Clinton and Obama, especially since Clinton went on TV a week ago and said Obama should abide by his promise and allow Americans to keep their health care plans, Reuters reported.
Obama was quoted in the recently released book "Double Down" by journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilman as saying he thought Clinton was exhausting and that he likes him "in doses," Reuters reported.
The event served as an opportunity for the two to warm up their relationship as Obama went out of his way to honor Clinton for the Clinton Global Initiative, a global charity organization.
Obama praised Clinton's life work in public service which dates back to 1963 when he met Kennedy at the White House and shook his hand four months before he was assassinated, Reuters reported.
Obama said in his speech he was grateful for Clinton's patience during the endless travels of his wife, Hilary, during her service as a U.S. diplomat.
"I'm grateful, Bill, as well for the advice and counsel you have offered me on and off the golf course, and most importantly for your life-saving work around the world, which represents what's very best in America," he said, according to Reuters.
