President Obama Surprised Joe Biden With The Presidential Medal Of Freedom And No, You’re Crying
"He's as good a man as God ever created."
If you thought Obama’s farewell address was emotional then oh boy you better brace yourself. In a ceremony in Washington overnight, the outgoing President surprised his loyal Veep Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and I swear I’m not crying, I just got something in my eye.
Obama paid tribute to the Vice President as well as his wife Dr Jill Biden, calling them “the kind of family that built this country” and adding that his own family “was honoured to call [themselves] honorary Bidens”. He also called Biden “my brother”, “a lion of American history” and “as good a man as God ever created”.
And that’s when the feelings really kicked in.
“For your faith in your fellow Americans, for your love of country and for your lifetime of service that will endure through the generations, I’d like to ask the military aide to join us on stage,” said Obama. “For my final time as President, I am pleased to award our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
JUST IN: Pres. Obama surprises an emotional VP Biden with nation's highest civilian honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. pic.twitter.com/dCXPF1scBy
— ABC News (@ABC) January 12, 2017
Biden, who had been told that the gathering was to thank senior staff and reportedly had no idea he was set to receive the honour, struggled to hold back tears as Obama hung the medal around his neck.
He later thanked the President, saying that “this honour is not only well beyond what I deserve, but it’s a reflection of the extent and generosity of your spirit. I don’t deserve this, but I know it came from the President’s heart.”
Seven more days until the inauguration. Let’s cherish every second of it.