Referring to Doar , a Justice Department official in the 1960s who pushed for integration , Obama said : `` I think it 's fair to say that I might not be here President Obama says all the winners had a profound impact on his life . The medal is `` 13 more accolade of a life well lived , '' Kennedy says . Song of Solomon is the nation 's highest civilian honor . The award was established in 1987 by President Obama .
President Obama says all the winners had a profound impact on his life . The medal is `` 13 more accolade of a life well lived , '' Kennedy says . Song of Solomon is the nation 's highest civilian honor . The award was established in 1987 by President Obama .