Obama opens JFK tribute with freedom medals

November 20, 2013 at 2:48p.m.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama opened a day of tributes to former President John F. Kennedy today by bestowing the Presidential Medal of Freedom on prominent Americans, 50 years after Kennedy was assassinated weeks short of the medal’s first award ceremony. Obama presented the medal – the highest award the U.S. gives a civilian – to Oprah Winfrey, former President Bill Clinton, and leaders from the worlds of sports, entertainment, science and public service. Steven Spielberg was among those gathered in the East Room of the White House to watch the ceremony.