On January 12, President Barack Obama presented Vice President Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is President Obama’s 128^th, and final, time awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but the first time giving it with distinction.

Obama began the ceremony by saying, “For your faith in your fellow Americans, for your love of country and for your lifetime of service that will endure through the generations” and calling Biden his “brother.”

Later, Obama followed this stating that his “family is so proud to call ourselves honorary Bidens.”

The award surprised Biden. He was led to believe he was going to a drinks reception. He first appeared full of emotion, and then completely broke down once Obama placed the medal around his neck.

Biden denied that he deserved the medal, and attempted to reciprocate by saying, “I’ve also leaned on you” and “I was part of a journey of a remarkable man who did remarkable things for this country.”

This is only the second time since the millennia began that the honor was given with distinction. The honor with distinction was previously given to Pope John Paul II and former Secretary of State, Colin Powell.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor. President John F. Kennedy first gave it out in 1963. It replaced the Medal of Honor.

Other well-known recipients are Diana Ross, Ellen DeGeneres, Tony Blair, Nancy Reagan, and Martin Luther King Jr.