President Joe Biden is set to honor a diverse group of 20 individuals with the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian award. This esteemed group includes prominent figures like Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, who spearheaded the congressional investigation into the January 6th Capitol riot. Their inclusion is particularly noteworthy given former President Trump’s vocal criticism of their work, even going so far as to call for their imprisonment. The ceremony, scheduled to take place at the White House, will recognize Americans from various walks of life who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to their country and fellow citizens. The White House emphasized the shared “common decency and commitment to serving others” that binds these honorees, highlighting their significant contributions to the betterment of the nation.
The awardees represent a broad spectrum of fields and endeavors, reflecting a commitment to recognizing diverse forms of service. Among them are individuals who have championed crucial social causes, such as Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, both key figures in the fight for marriage equality. The list also includes those who have made significant contributions in medicine, like Frank Butler, who revolutionized the use of tourniquets in treating war injuries, and Diane Carlson Evans, a Vietnam War nurse and founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation. Eleanor Smeal, a prominent figure in the women’s rights movement, is also being honored for her decades-long advocacy for equal pay and other women’s issues.
Beyond social and medical advancements, the honorees also represent fields like photojournalism, academia, and cancer research. Photographer Bobby Sager, academics Thomas Vallely and Paula Wallace, and Frances Visco, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, are all being recognized for their respective contributions. The ceremony will also pay tribute to the legacy of former lawmakers who have dedicated their careers to public service. This group includes former Senators Bill Bradley and Nancy Kassebaum, the first woman to represent Kansas in the Senate, and former Representative Carolyn McCarthy, a staunch advocate for gun safety measures after her family was tragically impacted by gun violence.
The White House’s decision to honor Cheney and Thompson with the Presidential Citizens Medal underscores their commitment to recognizing those who uphold democratic principles and defend the rule of law. Their leadership in investigating the January 6th attack, a pivotal moment in American history, has earned them both praise and condemnation. By bestowing this honor upon them, President Biden is sending a clear message about the importance of accountability and the pursuit of truth, even in the face of political pressure. This recognition stands in stark contrast to Trump’s continued claims of election fraud and his stated intention to pardon individuals involved in the Capitol riot upon his return to office.
The ceremony will also include posthumous recognition of four individuals who made significant contributions to their respective fields. Among them are Joseph Galloway, a renowned war correspondent who documented the Vietnam War, civil rights attorney Louis Lorenzo Redding, former Delaware state judge Collins Seitz, and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who bravely challenged the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. These posthumous awards serve as a reminder of the lasting impact these individuals have had on American society and the ongoing relevance of their work.
Established in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, the Presidential Citizens Medal is a testament to the power of individual action and the enduring importance of civic engagement. It recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service to their country and their fellow citizens, embodying the values of courage, integrity, and dedication. The diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of this year’s recipients reflect the breadth and depth of American contributions to society, showcasing the positive impact individuals can have on their communities and the nation as a whole. The ceremony serves not only as a tribute to these remarkable individuals but also as an inspiration to future generations to strive for excellence and make a difference in the world.
