Dylan Given Presidential Honour

Barack Obama gives Dylan the highest civilian honour at the White House

Published 30th May 2012

Dylan was awarded with the Presidential Medal Of Freedom at a ceremony at the White House yesterday.

"I have to say that I am a really big fan," Obama said as he introduced Dylan. "I remember, you know, in college listening to Bob Dylan and my world opening up because he captured something about this country that was so vital," Obama said.

The Medal Of Freedom is the country's highest civilian honor and the president has wide latitude in choosing recipients. It is awarded to people who have made major contributions to the security of the United States, world peace or culture, or have undertaken "other significant public or private endeavors."

The Presidential Medal of Freedom hangs from a blue ribbon and is made up of a blue disk whose surface is filled with stars, layered on a white star and red pentagon surrounded by gold eagles.

(LA Times)