Obama, Clinton pay tribute to JFK (Video)

President Obama and former President Clinton paid tribute to President John F. Kennedy at his grave site in Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, ahead of the 50th anniversary of his assassination.

{mosads}The two former presidents were joined by their wives, first lady Michelle Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as members of the Kennedy family at the site.

The families placed a wreath in front of the Eternal Flame marking Kennedy’s gravesite, and stood with their hands over their hearts as Taps was played. They then shared handshakes and hugs with the Kennedy family, including Ethel Kennedy, the widow of President Kennedy’s brother and attorney general Robert F. Kennedy.

The presidents then walked along the elliptical plaza near the grave site, and could be seen looking at the walls inscribed with the quotations of the slain president. Beyond the walls was a view of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in downtown Washington.

President Clinton was visiting Washington to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — Wednesday morning.

President Obama said that the presentation was “a little more special because this marks the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy establishing this award.”

Members of the Kennedy family will join the presidents at a dinner honoring the medal recipients Wednesday night.