Burma's Suu Kyi given Congressional Gold Medal

Myanmar's Member of Parliament and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, center, receives the Congressional Gold Medal from House Speaker John Boehner, far left, on September 19, 2012, in the Rotunda of the Capitol in Washington, DC. / Getty Images

(AP) WASHINGTON - Lawmakers united by their respect of Burma democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi have presented her with Congress' highest civilian honor in a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.

Suu Kyi described it as one of the most moving days of her life.

She was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2008 while under house arrest for her peaceful struggle against military rule.

Her long-awaited visit to America finally provided an opportunity for her to receive the honor Wednesday in person in Congress' most majestic setting, beneath the dome of the Capitol and ringed by marble statues of former U.S. presidents.

House and Senate leaders joined Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in paying tribute to the Nobel laureate.

She will meet President Barack Obama later Wednesday.

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[Seanyke]

She has definitely changed after gaining popularity. I guess that's because now that she has power, fame, money and everything to loose, she has abandoned some of those who have been backing her when times were difficult. Look at the plight of the Rohingyas in Myanmar. They were murdered every single day even till today and nothing has come out from the so called 'noble prize' recipient for fear of loosing everything. It's a shame. I guess that's the norm for the leaders from this part of the world. They looked noble at first, then after the sweet taste of power and wealth comes corruption, abuse of power and many more. Just wait until she takes over the power. She's no different from any other corrupt leaders of South East Asia region. What I'm saying is she doesn't deserve the medal.