President Obama Honors Bob Dylan at Medal of Freedom Ceremony
Folk-rock great Bob Dylan honored with the Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama on Tuesday (May 29) honored a special group of political and cultural icons, including rock performer Bob Dylan, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and astronaut John Glenn, with the prestigious Medal of Freedom at the White House in Washington D.C.
At the presentation, President Obama called himself a “really big fan” of Dylan, who accepted his medal in dark sunglasses. In fact, Obama recalled cranking up Bob Dylan while he was still a student at Harvard. “ …I remember, you know, in college listening to Bob Dylan, and my world opening up, because he captured something about this country that was so vital,” the president said, according to CBS News.
“Everybody on this stage has marked my life in profound ways,” Mr. Obama added. “Somebody like Pat Summitt, you know, when I think about my two daughters, who are tall and gifted, and knowing that because of folks like Coach Summitt, they’re standing up straight and diving after loose balls and feeling confident and strong, then I understand that the impact that these people have had extends beyond to me. It will continue for generations to come.”
Other honorees included author Toni Morrison, Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt and former Supreme Court justice John Paul Stevens. The Medal of Freedom is America’s highest civilian honor.
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