Two Iraq War veterans presented the medal to Gates, who appeared visibly moved during the ceremony Thursday evening.
Click here to see Jim Gardner's sit-down interview with Robert Gates.
The 67-year-old stepped down July 1 after serving as defense secretary since 2006, under Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama. He presided over the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and was involved in key decisions including the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy for gays in the military. Since 1989, the Liberty Medal has been given annually to individuals or organizations whose actions strive to bring liberty to people worldwide. Previous recipients include director Steven Spielberg and former Czech President Vaclav Havel. --- Online:Liberty Medal: http://constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal
Online:
Liberty Medal: http://constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal
