Outgoing US President Barack Obama has awarded Vice President Joe Biden with the highest civilian honour, commemorating an extraordinary man with an extraordinary career in public service. Mr Biden accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony in his honour at the White House. <br/>'<br/>Mr Obama said he is bestowing the honour on Biden for faith in Americans, for his love of country and a lifetime of service that will endure through the generations. He picked up Biden, his former primary rival, as his running vice presidential mate in 2008. <br/>'<br/>Before accepting the nomination, Biden had spent more than three decades in the Senate, amassing a large portfolio and body of work, including stints as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee.<br/>