Presidential Medal Of Freedom

President George W. Bush makes remarks during the award ceremony of the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington, D.C. Fourteen people received the nation's highest civilian award that recognizes exceptional meritorious service.

Singer Aretha Franklin, center, receives applause before being presented with the Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House Nov. 9, 2005 in Washington D.C. Seated from left are Internet software designer Robert Kahn, historian Robert Conquest, outgoing Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan, and actor Andy Griffith.

Singer Aretha Franklin wipes away her tears after President George W. Bush presented her with the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award, in the East Room of the White House on Nov. 9, 2005 in Washington, D.C. The medal is presented to those who have made contributions to national security, world peace or culture.

President George W. Bush presents former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali with the Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington, D.C. Mr. Bush presented 14 Medals of Freedom to recipients including retiring Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and Aretha Franklin during the ceremony.

President George W. Bush presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to scientist Vinton Cerf, left, beside fellow scientist and recipient Robert Kahn, right, in the East Room of the White House Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington, D.C. Cerf and Kahn received their awards for designing the software code that is used to transmit data over the Internet.

President George W. Bush shakes hands with Paul Rusesabagina after presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington, D.C. Rusesabagina received the award for sheltering people at the hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The medal is presented to those who have made contributions to national security, world peace or culture.

Actor Andy Griffith reacts while receiving the Medal of Freedom from U.S. President George W. Bush during a ceremony at the White House on Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington, D.C.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, left, jokes around while seated next to actress Carol Burnett before receiving the Medal of Freedom from U.S. President W. Bush during the ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C. Mr. Bush presented medals to the 2005 Medal of Freedom recipients during a ceremony in the East Room on Nov. 9, 2005.

President George W. Bush awards golfer Jack Nicklaus the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award, in the East Room of the White House on Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington, D.C. The medal is presented to those who have made contributions to national security, world peace or culture.

President George W. Bush shares a laugh with baseball legend Frank Robinson after presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award, in the East Room of the White House Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington, D.C.

Radio commentator Paul Harvey, left, is congratulated by President George W. Bush after receiving the Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington, D.C. Mr. Bush presented medals to 14 recipients.

Former Congressmen G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, D-Miss., gestures before receiving the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush during a ceremony at the White House Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington D.C.

President George W. Bush presents the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom to historian Robert Conquest, left, on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington, D.C. Conquest is known for his work on Soviet history, politics and foreign policy.

Actress Carol Burnett is congratulated by President George W. Bush after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House on Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington D.C. Burnett was one of 14 recipients of the government's highest civil honor.

President George W. Bush presents the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award, to General Richard B. Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the East Room of the White House on Nov. 9, 2005. The medal is presented to those who have made contributions to national security, world peace or culture.

Outgoing Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan, left, gets a pat on the back from President George W. Bush after recieving the Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House on Nov. 9, 2005.