Barack Obama chokes up presenting Ellen DeGeneres with Presidential Medal of Freedom

Ellen DeGeneres was one of a number of famous faces who received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama yesterday (November 23).

The outgoing US Presidetn admitted he “almost chocked up” as he awarded the 57-year-old comedian America’s highest civilian honour, awarded to those who have contributed to the US’s culture, interests and security.

During the ceremony, Obama paid tribute to Degenere’s brave decision to come out as gay on the cover of Time magazine almost 20 years ago.

“What an incredible burden that was to bear, to risk her career like that”, he said. “People don’t do that very often, and then to have the hopes of millions on your shoulders.”

Both Ellen and Obama were visibly emotional as her achievements were read out: “At a pivotal moment, her courage and candor helped change the hearts and minds of millions of Americans.

“Again and again, Ellen DeGeneres has shown us that a single individual can make the world a more fun, more open, more loving place, so long as we keep on swimming.”

Watch the moving video below:

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