US President Obama remembered former President John F. Kennedy during a formal dinner acknowledging this year's recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which include former President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey.

The modern version of the Medal was established by JFK.

"This is the legacy of a man who could have retreated to a live of luxury and ease, but who chose to live a life in the arena," President Obama said. "And that's why, fifty years later, John F. Kennedy stands for posterity as he did in life; young, bold, and daring."

The medal acknowledges those who have made significant contributions to U.S. culture, politics, sports and science. It is considered the highest U.S. civilian honor.

Those who stood to have the Medal of Freedom medal draped around their necks by Obama included a wide range of American success stories, from TV talk show host Orphan Winfrey, feminist activist Gloria Steinem, to former Chicago Cubs baseball star Ernie Banks, to the late astronaut Sally K. Ride to former Washington Post executive editor Ben Bradlee.

JFK was shot dead 50 years ago tomorrow.