Photos: Congress, Obama Honor Sen. Edward Brooke

The U.S. Congress Honors Former U.S. Senator Edward Brooke With Its Congressional Gold Medal.

Obama Greets Predecessor - The U.S. Congress honored Sen. Edward Brooke, 90, with its Congressional Gold Medal, the body's highest award for public service and achievement. Brooke was the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate by popular vote.  Only five Blacks have served in the U.S. Senate.

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Obama Greets Predecessor - The U.S. Congress honored Sen. Edward Brooke, 90, with its Congressional Gold Medal, the body's highest award for public service and achievement. Brooke was the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate by popular vote. Only five Blacks have served in the U.S. Senate.

Pausing to Pray - President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and the former Massachusetts Senator Brooke pause to pray during the invocation at the ceremony.

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Pausing to Pray - President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and the former Massachusetts Senator Brooke pause to pray during the invocation at the ceremony.

Obama: Brooke Moved the "Arc of History" - President Obama praised Brooke for "moving the arc of history" even though he grew up in a segregated America. He said the Washington, D.C. native proved naysayers wrong with his history-making career.

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Obama: Brooke Moved the "Arc of History" - President Obama praised Brooke for "moving the arc of history" even though he grew up in a segregated America. He said the Washington, D.C. native proved naysayers wrong with his history-making career.

An Award Deserved - Brooke, a Republican, served in World War II and served as Attorney General of Massachusetts before becoming a United States Senator in 1967. He served for 11 years.  He is a graduate of Howard University and Boston University Law School.

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An Award Deserved - Brooke, a Republican, served in World War II and served as Attorney General of Massachusetts before becoming a United States Senator in 1967. He served for 11 years. He is a graduate of Howard University and Boston University Law School.

The Congressional Gold Medal - Reid, flanked by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.) and President Obama, hands the award to Brooke. The Congressional Gold Medal has been awarded 150 times since 1776.

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The Congressional Gold Medal - Reid, flanked by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.) and President Obama, hands the award to Brooke. The Congressional Gold Medal has been awarded 150 times since 1776.

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Arrival of the Colors - The President and Senate Majority leader salute as the Color Guard arrives with the flags in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

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Arrival of the Colors - The President and Senate Majority leader salute as the Color Guard arrives with the flags in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

View of the Rotunda - A view of the ceiling of the Rotunda at the U.S. Capitol during the ceremony.

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View of the Rotunda - A view of the ceiling of the Rotunda at the U.S. Capitol during the ceremony.

Thankful - "I have loved this country since the day I was born, and I was born in the nation's capital on October 26, 1919," Brooke said to the audience, after receiving the Gold Medal. “Most of you weren't there at that time,” he joked.

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Thankful - "I have loved this country since the day I was born, and I was born in the nation's capital on October 26, 1919," Brooke said to the audience, after receiving the Gold Medal. “Most of you weren't there at that time,” he joked.

Massachusetts Moment - Brooke is greeted by the widow of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Vicki Kennedy, and Sen. John Kerry. Sen. Kennedy nominated Brooke for the honor and Kerry currently holds the Senate seat once held by Brooke.

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Massachusetts Moment - Brooke is greeted by the widow of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Vicki Kennedy, and Sen. John Kerry. Sen. Kennedy nominated Brooke for the honor and Kerry currently holds the Senate seat once held by Brooke.

Ovation - A cheering crowd greets the former Senator as he arrives at the ceremony. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is pictured in the rear.

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Ovation - A cheering crowd greets the former Senator as he arrives at the ceremony. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is pictured in the rear.

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Both Sides of<bR>The Aisle - President Obama, Reid, Brooke, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Kerry.

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Both Sides of<bR>The Aisle - President Obama, Reid, Brooke, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Kerry.

Back to Work - President Obama waves goodbye to the audience before heading back to the White House.  Pelosi stands by his side.

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Back to Work - President Obama waves goodbye to the audience before heading back to the White House. Pelosi stands by his side.