President Obama said all the winners had a profound impact on his life . The medal is ` ` one more reminder of a life well lived , '' Obama says . The Medal of Freedom is the nation 's highest civilian award . The medal was established in 1963 by President Kennedy .
President Obama says all the winners had a profound impact on his life . The medal is `` one more accolade of a life well lived , '' Obama says . The Medal of Freedom is the nation 's highest civilian honor . The award was established in 1963 by President Kennedy .