President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush attend the 2008 National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals Presentation in the East Room of the White House. Laura Bush opens the ceremony by congratulating all the honorees for their achievements, which she says remind us that "freedom of expression is the hallmark of any democratic society -- and the foundation of our nation's greatness." President Bush introduces the Presidential Citizens Medal, given to four outstanding leaders in the arts. Bush speaks on each of the honorees achievements, saying that they all understand that "encouraging individual creativity and freedom of expression through the arts and scholarship strengthens and enhances our great country."
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