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Bob Dylan, 12 others given Medal of Freedom

Posted at 3:23 PM, May 30, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-30 16:23:18-04

(WTVR) –Thirteen people, including musician Bob Dylan have been named to receive the highest honor a civilian can get.

The medal is given to those who make extraordinary contributions to world peace, national interest and security or other cultural endeavors.

Among those who received the award  were former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, musician Bob Dylan and novelist Toni Morrison.

The award was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy.

One of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century, Bob Dylan released his first album in 1962. Known for his rich and poetic lyrics, his work had considerable influence on the civil rights movement of the 1960s and has had significant impact on American culture over the past five decades.

Here you can see the Medal of Freedom winners walking up to receive their awards from President Obama in Washington.