Barack Obama received the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway on Thursday, December 10, 2009. He accepted the award “with deep gratitude and great humility” and vowed to use the prestigious award to “reach for the world that ought to be.”
The award was given “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” In his 4,000 word speech, Obama said, “I face the world as it is and am obliged to protect and defend the United States.”
Obama will cut short his visit to Oslo, staying just 24 hours and opting out of day two festivities. The night before the president’s arrival, a strange phenomenon, being referred to as the Norway Spiral, was seen in the night sky — lasting 2-3 minutes.
While the Obama’s were in route to Oslo, the Barbara Walters 10 Most Fascinating People special aired — and Michelle Obama was the top pick of 2009.
View Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech below.