LBJ AWARDS MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO JFK
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 6, 1963, "John Fitzgerald Kennedy was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom* in a moving White House ceremony...that paid tribute to his quest for peace and his boundless interest in the creative work of a free people."
President Lyndon B. Johnson presented the award in the State Dining Room to the late president's brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. JFK's widow, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, attended the ceremony accompanied by her sister, Princess Lee Radziwell.
All members of the cabinet also attended the ceremony, along with all the justices of the Supreme Court. The United States Congress was represented by selected members.
*Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor given to scientists, philanthropists, public servants, activists, athletes & artists.
SOURCES
"Kennedy Awarded Medal of Freedom," by Cecil Holland, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., December 6, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"The Presidential Medal of Freedom," The White House, Barack Obama, www.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/
