A Teary Adieu: Barack Obama Awards Biden Highest Civilian Honour

Obama said Biden’s career is nowhere close to finished and he will go on to have an impact in the US and abroad.

President Barack Obama awarded Vice President Joe Biden with the country’s highest civilian honour. (Photo: AP)

President Barack Obama awarded Vice President Joe Biden with the highest civilian honour on Thursday, commemorating an "extraordinary man with an extraordinary career in public service."

A surprised Biden accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony with tears in his eyes.

Obama said he is bestowing the honour on Biden for “faith in your fellow Americans, for your love of country and a lifetime of service that will endure through the generations.”

Biden praised his wife and children for their support throughout his career, and praised the Obama family for their dedication to country and service.

I was part of the journey of a remarkable man who did remarkable things.

Joe Biden

Speaking ahead of Biden, Obama said the tribute will give the Internet one last chance to joke about the "bromance" the two share. He called Biden the "best possible choice, not just for me, but for the American people."

(With inputs from AP and NBC News)