President Joe Biden is set to shine a spotlight on 20 remarkable Americans, awarding them the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor. The ceremony, taking place at the White House this Thursday, celebrates individuals whose courage, commitment, and service have left a lasting impact on their communities and the country.
Recognizing Integrity in Leadership
Among the honorees are Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, the lawmakers who courageously led the congressional investigation into the violent January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Despite facing criticism—especially from former President Donald Trump, who has controversially said they “should go to jail”—Cheney and Thompson stood firm in defending democracy.
Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, made headlines not just for her work but for boldly crossing party lines to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 elections, even campaigning alongside her.
A Medal for Everyday Heroes
This year’s recipients include a diverse group of individuals who have made a difference:
- Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, champions of marriage equality.
- Frank Butler, who revolutionized battlefield care with innovative tourniquet techniques.
- Diane Carlson Evans, an Army nurse in Vietnam who honored women veterans with the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.
- Eleanor Smeal, a passionate leader in the fight for women’s rights and equal pay.
President Biden sees these honorees as bound by their “common decency and commitment to serving others,” as the White House described.
Honoring Courage, Then and Now
Some honorees will be recognized posthumously, including:
- Joseph Galloway, the war correspondent whose book, “We Were Soldiers Once … and Young,” brought the realities of the Vietnam War to life.
- Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who challenged the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
- Louis Lorenzo Redding, a trailblazing civil rights lawyer.
- Collins Seitz, a Delaware judge who advanced equality in the justice system.
Celebrating Service Across Fields
Other awardees include trailblazers in politics and advocacy:
- Former senators Ted Kaufman, Chris Dodd, and Nancy Kassebaum, who each left unique marks on American governance.
- Carolyn McCarthy, a tireless advocate for gun safety after a personal tragedy.
- Frances Visco, who led the fight for breast cancer awareness.
Even photography and academia are celebrated, with honors going to Bobby Sager and scholars like Thomas Vallely and Paula Wallace.
A Legacy of Honor
The Presidential Citizens Medal, established in 1969, recognizes individuals who perform “exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.” By highlighting their contributions, President Biden reminds us that extraordinary acts of courage and kindness are what truly define leadership and service.
A Celebration of Dedication
As the White House ceremony unfolds, it’s a poignant reminder of the power of service, sacrifice, and standing up for what’s right. Whether fighting for equality, safeguarding democracy, or pioneering change, these honorees inspire us to strive for a better tomorrow.
“The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice,” President Biden said. And we couldn’t agree more.
