B.B. King breaks out in laughter as he's presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, by President George W. Bush in the East Room of the White House. Introducing the musician, President Bush told the audience, when speaking of the blues, "two names are paramount... B.B. King, and his guitar, Lucille. America loves the music of B.B. King, and America loves the man, himself." White House photo by Shealah Craighead 
President George W. Bush congratulates Ruth Johnson Colvin after presenting her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, in the East Room of the White House. Said the President, "Ruth Colvin is a person of intelligence and vision and heart. And she has earned the gratitude of many, and the admiration of us all." White House photo by Eric Draper
Dr. Norman C. Francis is honored by President George W. Bush with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, in the East Room of the White House. President Bush told the audience, "Dr. Francis is known across Louisiana, and throughout our country, as a man of deep intellect and compassion and character... All of us admire the good life and remarkable career of Dr. Norman C. Francis." White House photo by Shealah Craighead