Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, President Joe Biden presented the second-highest civilian honor in the U.S. to 20 individuals, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, for their leadership in the congressional investigation of the January 6 Capitol riot.
The White House issued a statement acknowledging the recipients, highlighting their “common decency and commitment to serving others.” It further stated, “The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.”
What is the Presidential Citizens Medal?
The Presidential Citizens Medal recognizes Americans who have performed “exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens,” according to the White House archives. Established by President Richard Nixon in 1969, this award is the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, just below the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Who Received the Medal?
In addition to Cheney and Thompson, several other individuals were honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Among them was Mary Bonauto, an attorney who played a key role in the legalization of same-sex marriage, and Evan Wolfson, a leader of the marriage equality movement.
Other honorees included Frank Butler, known for his innovations in using tourniquets for war injuries; Diane Carlson Evans, a Vietnam War Army nurse who founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation; and Eleanor Smeal, a women’s rights activist who fought for equal pay and led protests in the 1970s.
President Biden also awarded the medal to Bobby Sager, a photographer; Thomas Vallely and Paula Wallace, academics; and Frances Visco, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.
Several former lawmakers received the award, including Bill Bradley, former U.S. Senator from New Jersey; Nancy Kassebaum, former U.S. Senator from Kansas; and Carolyn McCarthy, former U.S. Representative from New York, who became an advocate for gun safety after the tragic deaths of her son and husband.
Posthumous Honorees
President Biden also honored four individuals posthumously: Joseph Galloway, a war correspondent who chronicled the Vietnam War; Louis Lorenzo Redding, a civil rights attorney; Collins Seitz, a former Delaware judge; and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who challenged the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Criteria for Receiving the Medal
To be eligible for the Presidential Citizens Medal, nominees must be U.S. citizens who have performed extraordinary acts of service outside their regular job responsibilities. The medal cannot be awarded to organizations or groups, and individuals can nominate themselves. Those honored have typically demonstrated:
- A commitment to service within their community or far beyond.
- Extraordinary acts that benefit their fellow citizens or the country.
- Efforts addressing long-term or persistent issues.
- A sustained, positive impact on the lives of others and inspired others to serve.
For more information on the full list of recipients, please visit the official website.
Source Information
The details for this article were gathered from the Associated Press, the White House archives website, and the White House press office. The story was reported from Los Angeles.
