Joe Biden wipes away tears as Obama awards him Medal of Freedom

It's the White House friendship that launched a million memes.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have gotten a lot of attention for their close friendship during their eight years working together, and on Thursday their bond took center stage when Obama surprised Biden by awarding him the presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, during a White House ceremony.

Obama kicked off the surprise ceremony by saying he wanted to pay tribute to "the best vice president America has ever had."

"This also gives the internet one last chance to talk about our bromance," he quipped, as the crowd and Biden burst into laughter.

Obama described how he came to choose Biden as his running mate and gave details about highlights from their time together, even revealing that he, first lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15, consider themselves "honorary Bidens."