Obama praises Robinson as a crusader for justice

President awards Robinson Presidential Medal of Freedom

President John F. Kennedy created the awards in 1962 and today, his brother, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA.), was unable to accept it in person out of respect of the recent passing of his sister, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver. 

His daughter Kara, visibly upset, accepted the award in his stead.

"Each of their stories stand as an example of a life well lived," Obama said.

"This is a chance for me and for the United States of America to say thank you to some of the finest citizens of this country and of all countries," Obama said.

"At a moment when cynicism and doubt too often prevail, when our obligations to one another are too often forgotten, when the road ahead can seem too long or hard to tread, these extraordinary men and women, these agents of change, remind us that excellence is not beyond our abilities, that hope lies around the corner and that justice can still be won in the forgotten corners of this world," the president said.

Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Micháell Martin said the Medal was a fitting tribute to Robinson for her tireless work fighting for human rights.

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Nster.com