U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at the 2010 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal presentation ceremony

President Barack H. Obama presents the 2010 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal to nineteen individuals during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. Quoting artists, musicians and poets, President Obama describes the value of arts and culture in American society. An unidentified military aide reads the official citation for each recipient as Obama presents the medals.