"Crying Jordan" Meme Comes to Life at Medal of Freedom Ceremony

Last night at the White House, President Obama handed out 21 Medals of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for the very last time. Personally selected by Obama himself, the medals are presented to individuals who have contributed to “the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Among the recipients to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom was none other than the G.O.A.T., Michael Jordan. Before giving the award to Jordan, President Barack Obama shared a few words, made jokes about the “Crying Jordan” meme, and once again reminded us why he will be sorely missed when he leaves office in two months.

Joining Jordan among the field of sports were Vin Scully and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who’s 7’2” stature was too much for Mr. President, who stands at 6’1”. Obama had a bit of difficulty when placing the medal on Abdul-Jabbar. The 2016 recipients also included Tom Hanks, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Bill and Melinda Gates, Bruce Springsteen, Lorne Michaels, and more. The President also had a hard time placing the medal around Abdul-Jabbar who stands at 7’2”, more than a foot taller than Obama’s 6’1”. Check out the full speech for Michael Jordan below.

cspan: WATCH: Michael Jordan receives the Presidential #MedalofFreedom from President Obama. pic.twitter.com/wNjncL8Zke

— Party of Lincoln (@OfLincoln) November 22, 2016

Pres. Obama awards basketball legend and 6-time NBA MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. https://t.co/Miabo2Y43s

— ABC News (@ABC) November 22, 2016