WASHINGTON, (WOWO): President Barack Obama is awarding the nation's highest civilian honor to former Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar.

The Indiana Republican will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom sometime this year at the White House.  He’ll join 15 other honorees, including former President Bill Clinton and Oprah.

President John F. Kennedy created the Medal of Freedom in an executive order signed 50 years ago. The White House says more than 500 people have been honored.