WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama on Monday bestowed America's highest civilian honor on trailblazers in the arts, sports and politics, along with a couple of entertainers who are among his personal favorites.

The 18 notables who gathered in the White House East Room to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom left even the president himself in awe. Obama said the ceremony is one of his favorite events because it celebrates "people who have made America stronger and wiser and more humane and more beautiful."

An online service is needed to view this article in its entirety. You need an online service to view this article in its entirety.

BEST VALUE

Receive your newspaper every day and get unlimited digital access at no additional charge. You won't miss anything. Your digital package includes unlimited use of TimesDispatch.com on desktop and mobile web, as well as our electronic replica edition every day.

Your subscription includes popular sections like Weekend and Dining on Thursdays and Richmond Drives automotive on Fridays. Plus receive unlimited digital access. $19 per month after six-month introductory offer.

Your subscription includes popular sections like Metro Business on Mondays and Richmond Drives on Fridays. Plus receive unlimited digital access. $19 per month after six-month introductory offer.

Receive the Sunday newspaper, stuffed with money-saving offers, with unlimited digital access. $19 per month after six-month introductory offer.

Receive unlimited digital access. $21 per month after three-month introductory offer.

(Per 30 days)

Link:

Obama awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to 18