text: President George W. Bush congratulates Natan Sharansky after honoring him with the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom during ceremonies Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, at the White House. Said the President, "Americans first came to know Natan Sharansky as a voice for freedom inside an empire of tyranny. As a free man, he's become a political leader in Israel. He remains, above all, an eloquent champion for liberty and democracy. We honor Natan Sharansky for his life of courage and conviction." White House photo by Eric Draper