Bush recognizes 12 with nation's highest honor

Diverse group presented with Presidential Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush on Tuesday awarded 12 people the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. The winners ranged from baseball Hall of Famer Henry Aaron to children's entertainer Fred Rogers to South African statesman Nelson Mandela.

EXTRA INFORMATION Gallery: 2002 Medal of Freedom winners  with Bush's comments

The Medal of Freedom, created by President Harry S Truman to acknowledge civilians' contributions to the World War II effort, was revived by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and renamed the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The first medals were awarded by President Lyndon B. Johnson later that year.

The executive order creating the award provides that "The medal may be awarded by the President as provided in this order to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Honorees are chosen at the president's discretion. Nearly 400 people have received the medal since 1963.