'He reflects the very best of American spirit': Obama honours Bush Snr with Medal of Freedom



Barack Obama honoured former president George H.W. Bush with the Medal of Freedom today, telling him his 'humility and decency reflects the very best of the American spirit'.

Bush Snr was among 15 recipients of the honour, which is presented to those who have made valued contributions to U.S. national security, world peace, culture or other significant public or private endeavours.

Presenting the medals at a ceremony at the White House, President Obama said the recipients represented, 'the best of who we are and who we aspire to be'.

Respect: The current U.S. President Barack Obama honours former premier George H.W. Bush, telling him his 70 years of service to the country is testament to the belief that public service is a noble calling

Affection: President Obama kisses author and poet Maya Angelou after awarding her the 2010 Medal of Freedom. The honour is given to those who have made valued contributions to U.S. national security, world peace, culture or other significant public or private endeavours

Mr Obama praised Mr Bush for his more than 70 years of service to his country, saying his life is a testament to the belief that public service is a noble calling.

Basketball legend Bill Russell and philanthropist Warren Buffett were honoured, along with civil rights activist Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.

Tall order: President Obama shakes hands with basketball legend Bill Russell, who towers over him

Emotional: Civil rights activist Sylvia Mendez looks tearful as she receives the honour with cellist Yo-Yo Ma



Award: Sculptor and printmaker Jasper Johns represented culture and the arts

Strength: Baseball legend Stan Musial, left, and Jewish Holocaust survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein



Power: Congressman John Lewis D-Ga, civil rights activist and philanthropist Warren Buffett



Poignant: Libby Little, the widow of optometrist Dr Tom Little, who was killed in Afghanistan is presented with his posthumous award, left, and Natural Resources Defense Council co-founder John Adams



Force for good: Founder of The International Organization on Arts and Disability Jean Kennedy Smith

AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney, left, was presented with the medal at the White House ceremony. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was also honoured, but was not present at the event



The 2010 Medal of Honour recipients were announced in November. Other winners include:

- Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

- John H. Adams, co-founder of Natural Resources Defense Council

- Maya Angelou, poet and author

- Jasper Johns, artist

- Gerda Weissmann Klein, Holocaust survivor and author

- Dr. Tom Little (posthumous), optometrist murdered on humanitarian mission in Afghanistan



- Sylvia Mendez, civil rights activist of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent



- Stan Musial, Hall of Fame baseball player

- Bill Russell, professional basketball player and first African American to coach in the NBA

- Jean Kennedy Smith, founder of VSA, a non-profit organization that promotes the artistic talents of people with disabilities

- John J. Sweeney, President Emeritus of the AFL-CIO



