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
President George W. Bush congratulates Dr. Joshua Lederberg after presenting him with the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, during ceremonies at the White House. Said the President, "Joshua Lederberg has always seemed ahead of his time... For his brilliant career, his high ethical standards, and his many contributions to our country, the United States thanks Dr. Joshua Lederberg. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush presents the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta during ceremonies Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, in the East Room of the White House. Upon introduction, President Bush said, "Norman Mineta's whole life has been an extraordinary journey... he has given his country a lifetime of leadership, devotion to duty and personal character." White House photo by Shealah Craighead
President George W. Bush presents the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom to Warren O'Neil on behalf of his brother, baseball great Buck O'Neil, who passed away at the age of 94 in October. Said the President upon presentation of the honor, "Buck O'Neil lived long enough to see the game of baseball, and America, change for the better. He's one of the people we can thank for that. Buck O'Neil was a legend, and he was a beautiful human being... And we honor the memory of Buck O'Neil." White House photo by Shealah Craighead
President George W. Bush honors William Safire with the 2006 President Medal of Freedom during ceremonies Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, at the White House. Said the President of the former White House speech writer and newspaperman, "He's a voice of independence and principle, and American journalism is better for the contributions of William Safire." White House photo by Shealah Craighead
President George W. Bush congratulates Natan Sharansky after honoring him with the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom during ceremonies Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, at the White House. Said the President, "Americans first came to know Natan Sharansky as a voice for freedom inside an empire of tyranny. As a free man, he's become a political leader in Israel. He remains, above all, an eloquent champion for liberty and democracy. We honor Natan Sharansky for his life of courage and conviction." White House photo by Eric Draper