In a heartfelt ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal—the nation’s second-highest civilian honor—to an inspiring group of Americans, including former Republican Representative Liz Cheney and Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson. Both leaders played crucial roles in the investigation of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, showing unwavering commitment to truth and democracy.
Cheney: A Bold Voice for Democracy
Liz Cheney, who served three terms representing Wyoming, didn’t shy away from tough battles. Once a supporter of Donald Trump, Cheney became one of his strongest critics after the Capitol attack. Her work as vice chair of the January 6 committee demonstrated courage, crossing party lines to defend the ideals of freedom and justice.
“Our democracy begins and ends with the duties of citizenship,” President Biden said during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of seeing one another as “fellow Americans” rather than adversaries.
The White House also praised Cheney for her relentless efforts, stating she stood for freedom, dignity, and decency. Her dedication even extended to campaigning for Biden and later Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election.
Thompson: A Champion for the Rule of Law
Bennie Thompson, who led the January 6 committee as its chair, was celebrated for his unwavering integrity and deep commitment to justice. Representing Mississippi, Thompson has been a steadfast defender of the rule of law, guiding the committee through one of the most critical investigations in modern history.
Despite their heroic efforts, Cheney and Thompson have faced sharp criticism from Trump, who labeled the committee members as “political thugs” and suggested they “should go to jail.” But their work speaks for itself—fighting for accountability and preserving the democratic foundations of the nation.
A Diverse Group of Honorees
The Presidential Citizens Medal wasn’t just about Cheney and Thompson. The ceremony honored 20 remarkable individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities and the country.
Here are some highlights:
- Mary L. Bonauto, a trailblazing attorney who fought for marriage equality and argued the landmark Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges.
- Diane Carson Evans, an Army nurse during the Vietnam War and founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation.
- Former Senator Bill Bradley, a Hall-of-Fame New York Knick and two-time NBA champion.
- Former Delaware Senator Ted Kaufman and former Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd, close friends of Biden and longtime public servants.
- Former Kansas Senator Nancy Kassebaum, the first woman to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate.
Celebrating Dedication and Service
President Biden summed up the significance of the award beautifully:
“These Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. Our country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.”
This diverse group of honorees reminds us of the power of courage, kindness, and selflessness. They’ve made America stronger—one act of service at a time.
