Joe Biden receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Washington : Outgoing United Stated of America President Barack Obama on Thursday gave a wonderful surprise to US vice president Joe Biden by awarding him Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honour, during a ceremony hosted by him at the White House.

"For your faith in your fellow Americans, for your love of country and for your lifetime of service that will endure through the generations, I'd like to ask the military aide to join us on stage," CNN quoted Obama as saying.

"For my final time as President, I am pleased to award our nation's highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," he added.

Joe Biden in his thanksgiving speech shared his acceptance for the award but maintained that he does not deserve it.

"This honour is not only well beyond what I deserve, but it's a reflection of the extent and generosity of your spirit. I don't deserve this but I know it came from the President's heart," Biden said.

(with IANS inputs)