President George W. Bush welcomes the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his remarks at the presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony Thursday, June 19, 2008, in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
President George W. Bush delivers remarks during the presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony Thursday, June 19, 2008, in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
Dr. Benjamin Carson, left, seated with Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, listens Thursday, June 19, 2008, as he is announced as a recipient of the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom, at ceremonies in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
Mrs. Annette Lantos, wife of the late Mr. Tom Lantos, receives applause in honor her husband who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom Thursday, June 19, 2008, in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
President George W. Bush leads the applause for Mrs.Tom Lantos after she received the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom citation in honor of her late husband, California Congressman Tom Lantos, during ceremonies Thursday, June 19, 2008, in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by David Bohrer
Donna Shalala is applauded by fellow recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Thursday, June 19, 2008, as she is honored by President George W. Bush at ceremonies in the East Wing of the White House. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
President George W. Bush shakes hands with Dr. Benjamin Carson Thursday, June 19, 2008, after presenting him with the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom during ceremonies in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by David Bohrer
President George W. Bush shakes hands with Dr. Anthony Fauci Thursday, June 19, 2008, after presenting him with the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom during ceremonies in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by David Bohrer
President George W. Bush shakes hands with General Peter Pace after presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Thursday, June 19, 2008, during the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony in the East Room at the White House. White House photo by David Bohrer
General Peter Pace receives applause after receiving the Presidential Medal of Honor Thursday, June 19, 2008, during the Presidential Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room at the White House. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
President George W. Bush shakes hands with Donna Shalala after presenting her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Thursday, June 19, 2008, during the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony in the East Room at the White House. White House photo by David Bohrer
President George W. Bush shakes hands with Laurence Sulberman after presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Thursday, June 19, 2008, during the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony in the East Room at the White House. White House photo by David Bohrer
Laurence Silberman laughs as he acknowledges a standing ovation by a young girl in the audience Thursday, June 19, 2008, after he was presented the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by David Bohrer
Mrs. Laura Bush smiles as she listens to the acknowledgments of the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients during ceremonies Thursday, June 19, 2008, in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Shealah Craighead