[3중급] Transcript Of Obama's Joe Biden Speech Before His Presidential Medal Of Freedom Surprise  

In a surprise twist,

President Barack Obama ended

an event billed

as a final tribute

to his vice president

by awarding Joe Biden

with the nation's highest civilian honor,

the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In a speech prior to the announcement,

Obama touched

on Biden's many personal and professional accomplishments,

hailing his contributions

to the outgoing administration

and applauding his personal character.

The transcript of Obama's speech on Biden is heartfelt

and touching reminder

of the close relationship the leaders developed

during their eight years

in office together.

The president applauded Biden

for his faith

in his fellow Americans,

his love of his country,

and "a lifetime of service

that will endure through the generations."

He chose

to bestow Biden

with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

with Distinction,

an added level of veneration

reportedly awarded to only three other men since 1989

– Pope John Paul II, former President Ronald Reagan, and Gen. Colin Powell.

"I don't deserve this

but I know

it came from the president's heart,"

a visibly surprised

and emotional Vice President Biden said

after receiving the award

from Obama.

If you missed the president's emotional tribute,

take a peek

at the transcript of Obama's Biden speech below.

Source: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images