Joe Biden breaks into tears as Obama awards Presidential Medal of Freedom

Joe Biden got emotional when President Barack Obama surprised him with farewell ceremony at the White House on Thursday. The vice-president literally broke down into tears after Obama announced to award him with the highest civilian award of America, Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Paying his tribute to the 74-year-old, Obama described Biden as “lion of American history.” He said that he was commemorating an “extraordinary man with an extraordinary career in public service” for his faith in fellow Americans, love for the country and lifetime of service that will endure through generations.

“I just wanted to get some folks together to pay tribute to somebody who's not only been by my side for the duration of this entire journey but somebody who has devoted his entire professional life to service to this country, the best Vice President America has ever had, Mr Joe Biden,” Obama said.

Joe Biden took a moment before he took to the podium to confess that he was under the impression that it was a drinks reception and had no idea about the farewell. “I've been given a lot of credit I didn't deserve.” In an emotional speech, he thanked Obama and revealed how he willfully extended financial help to his family while his son (who died in 2015) battled brain cancer. He revealed how he had planned to sell his home and step down as attorney general but Obama begged him not to do so.

“Mr President you have crept into our heart, you and your whole family, and you occupy it. ... I am indebted you your family. You know as long as there's breath in me, I'll be there for you and your whole family and I know it is reciprocal,” Biden said in his speech.

Wiping Biden’s tears, Obama narrated an incident and said, “As one of his long time friends told me, if you can't admire Joe Biden as a person you've got a problem. He is as good a man as god ever created.” Thereafter Obama quipped that the Internet has got its last chance to talk about their “bromance.”

Barack Obama and Joe Biden became close friends during their time at the White House. Obama said that Biden was the first choice he made as the nominee and apparently the best. He added that he gained a great brother in the bargain of a vice-president.