Obama to Give Highest Civilian Award to Union Boss

President Obama today named AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. The award is presented to individuals who have made especially 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.

Sweeney was among 15 recipients, with President Obama stating that "these outstanding honorees come from a broad range of backgrounds and they've excelled in a broad range of fields," but all of them have lived extraordinary lives that have inspired us, enriched our culture, and made our country and our world a better place. I look forward to awarding them this honor.