U.S. President Barack Obama (L) awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to civil rights leader Rev. Cordy Tindell 'C.T.'Vivian (R) in the East Room at the White House on November 20, 2013 in Washington, DC. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.