US Senator John McCain has been named this year's recipient of the National Constitution Center's Liberty Medal for his 'lifetime of sacrifice and service' to the country.

The Philadelphia museum announced Thursday that the award would be given to the six-term Arizona senator.

McCain, 80, said he's humbled to receive the medal and that it has been his greatest privilege to protect and defend the Constitution.

US Senator John McCain has been named this year's recipient of the National Constitution Center's Liberty Medal, which will be awarded to him on October 16

The Liberty Medal is given to people 'of courage and conviction who have strived to secure the blessings of liberty to people the world over,' according to the National Constitution Center

Former Vice President Joe Biden, Chair of the National Constitution Center's Board of Trustees, will bestow the award to McCain at a ceremony on October 16 at 7pm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

'In our over two decades serving together in the United States Senate, there were few others I could count on to be as honest, respectful, and decent as John,' Biden said in a statement.

'His heroic sacrifice for his country and dedicated service to his constituents are unquestionable and unmatched.'

McCain joined the Navy in 1958 and rose to the rank of captain during his 22 years of service. In 1967, his plane was shot down over Hanoi, Vietnam, during a bombing mission, and he spent years in a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp.

McCain served in the Navy for 22 years. His plane was shot down during the Vietnam War and he was held in a POW camp for several years. He has served in Congress for the past 35 years

Former Vice President Joe Biden will give the award to McCain, it was announced on Thursday. Biden is Chair of the National Constitution Center's Board of Trustees

He has served in Congress since 1983, first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate, beginning in 1987.

Previous recipients of the Liberty Medal, which is awarded annually, include Nelson Mandela, Bono, Kofi Annan, Shimon Peres, Hillary Rodham Clinton and presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

The Liberty Medal is given to people 'of courage and conviction who have strived to secure the blessings of liberty to people the world over,' according to the National Constitution Center.