WASHINGTON – On Wednesday President Obama presented awards to seventeen honorees of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor, awarded for meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. After introducing sixteen of the honorees, President Obama announced he was awarding the final medal to a recipient who inhabits the White House. “The final recipient of this year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom is someone I happen to know pretty well. He’s an inhabitant of this White House and he’s the dedicated and faithful husband of the first lady of the United States. He’s a loving father of two beautiful daughters and the respectful and loving son-in-law to their grandma. A selfless man who always places others before himself, ladies and gentlemen, the final Medal of Freedom recipient of 2013, President Barack Obama!” The room erupted in deafening applause. “Thank-you! Please, you’re too kind. Thank-you very much. Thank-you! Please ….” The applause grew louder with everyone standing, many weeping openly. President Obama put his hands on his heart and bowed his head. “Thank-you so much! Please … thank-you. […]