Merkel honoured with US Freedom Medal

Barack Obama honoured a predecessor, Germany’s leader and artists, athletes, civil rights activists, humanitarians and others with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for contributions to society that he said spoke to “who we are as a people”.

This year’s recipients, who included German chancellor Angela Merkel, “reveal the best of who we are and who we aspire to be,” President Obama said at a White House ceremony.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honour, given in recognition of contributions to US national security, world peace, culture or other significant public or private endeavours.

He said Ms Merkel, who was not present, dreamed of freedom as she grew up in what was then East Germany.

“And when the wall finally crumbled and Germany was reunited, she broke barriers of her own, becoming the first East German and the first woman to become chancellor of Germany,” Mr Obama said.

He said Ms Merkel’s story was an inspiration to people around the world.

Mr Obama added that Ms Merkel would be making an official visit to the US soon and he looked forward to presenting the award to a “trusted global partner and a friend”.

Some of the loudest applause was reserved for former US president George Bush senior.

The former Republican president devoted nearly 70 of his 86 years to public service, starting when he joined the US Navy on his 18th birthday. He served as a congressman from Texas, United Nations ambassador, Republican Party chairman, US envoy to China, director of central intelligence, a two-term vice president and one term as the 41st president.

“His life is a testament that public service is a noble calling,” Mr Obama said.

Mr Bush’s wife Barbara and their children listened from the front row as Mr Obama said: “His humility and his decency reflect the very best of the American spirit. Those of you who know him, this is a gentleman.”

A particularly touching moment occurred during the presentation for Dr Tom Little, an optometrist who was murdered by the Taliban last August in Afghanistan. His wife Libby accepted the medal and Mr Obama rubbed her back as a White House military aide read her husband’s citation.

Among the other medal recipients were:

- Maya Angelou, an author and poet who wrote and recited one of her works at former president Bill Clinton’s inauguration;

- Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway. The famed investor is known as the “Oracle of Omaha” for a business savvy that has helped him become one of the world’s richest men. He is also a philanthropist and a leader of an effort challenging the country’s wealthiest people to step up their charitable giving;

- Jasper Johns, an artist whose work has dealt with themes of perception and identity. He is considered a major influence on pop, minimalist and conceptual art;

- Gerda Weissmann Klein, Holocaust survivor and author who founded Citizenship Counts, an organisation that teaches students to cherish being American citizens;

- Yo-Yo Ma, a world renowned cellist and 16-time Grammy award winner who is known for his interpretations of Bach and Beethoven. He played at Mr Obama’s inauguration and at other White House events;

- Sylvia Mendez, a civil rights activist of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent;

- Bill Russell, the former captain of the Boston Celtics professional basketball team and first black man to become an National Basketball Association coach;

- Jean Kennedy Smith, a member of the Kennedy political clan and former ambassador to Ireland.