Golfing legend Arnold Palmer became just the sixth athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony in his honor Wednesday in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
"I am very humbled," Palmer said at the end of the 1 hour, 15 minute ceremony.
John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, along with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Senators Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid were involved in the presentation of the medal to Palmer. Jack Nicklaus and country music singer Vince Gill, along with two Republican and two Democratic members of the Senate and House, also took part in the ceremony.
"Arnold Palmer was the everyday man's hero," Nicklaus said during his speech. "From the modest upbringing, Arnold embodied the hard-working strength of America ... The game has given so much to Arnold Palmer but he has given back so much more."
The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- which Palmer received in 2004 -- are the highest civilian awards in the United States. The Congressional Gold Medal dates back to the American Revolution. Each medal is created by the U.S. Mint individually to honor the individual and achievements for which the medal is awarded ...
Oops. This should have been in Sports.
