Former Prime Minister John Howard of Australia, smiles as President George W. Bush presents him with the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, during ceremonies in the East Room of the White House. Established in 1963, the Medal may be presented to "any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or world peace or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush applauds former Prime Minister John Howard after presenting the Australian leader with the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom during ceremonies Tuesday, Jan.13, 2009, in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Chris Greenberg