From civil rights to government service, from the author of Beloved to the composer of The Times They Are A-Changin', President Obama honored 13 individuals on Tuesday who have made singular contributions to national life.

"What sets these men and women apart is the incredible impact they have had on so many people," Obama said in awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony. "Not in short, blinding bursts, but steadily over the course of a lifetime."

Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan -- who wore sunglasses while receiving his medal -- is still recording albums, five decades after Blowin' in the Wind and The Times They Are A-Changin' became anthems of the civil rights movement. Obama said Dylan's songs and his voice -- "with its weight, its unique gravelly power" -- redefined music and inspired generations of artists.

Other pioneers honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom included Madeleine Albright, the first female secretary of State. Albright won Obama's praise for her "courage and toughness" in pursuing peace in the Balkans and Middle East.

Other recipients: John Paul Stevens, the third-longest-serving justice on the Supreme Court, who wore his trademark bow tie at the ceremony; William Foege, a physician who led the charge to eradicate smallpox during the 1970s; and John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth and who later served as a U.S. senator; Obama pointed out that Glenn went back into space at age 77.

To read the complete article, see:Obama: Medal of Freedom winners have 'incredible impact'(http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2012/05/
obama-awards-13-medals-of-freedom/1#.T8uvVzDlZbc)

To read the complete article, see:Text, Photos: Obama's Medal of Freedom Presentations(blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/05/29/text-photos-obamas-medal-of-freedom-presentations/)

To read the complete article, see:US President Obama risks feud with Poland over Polish war hero medal honour gaffe(www.ejpress.org/article/58560)