On Wednesday, President Shimon Peres was awarded the Presidential<br />Medal of Freedom-- the highest civilian award the United States<br />government can bestow upon an individual. In a gala dinner held in<br />Washington in Peres' honor, US President Barack Obama praised the<br />Israeli president's legacy and efforts on behalf of peace. Accepting<br />the award, Peres said he was profoundly moved by the honor, adding<br />that it was "a testament to the historic friendship" between Israel<br />and the US.
