Streep, Brokaw, Others Awarded Medal of Freedom

Nineteen people were presented with our nation's highest civilian honor at the White House today.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was given to artists, activists and public servants.

Among those honored by President Obama were Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep, singer-song writer Stevie Wonder, and former NBC News anchorman Tom Brokaw.

The distinguished list also included Democrat John Dingell, the longest serving member of Congress and Ethel Kennedy, widow of late Sen. Robert Kennedy.

"Once a year we set aside this event to celebrate people who have made America stronger and wiser and more humane and more beautiful with our highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," said the president during the White House ceremony.                        

The award is given every year to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to U.S. security, world peace, or cultural endeavors.