President Biden Honors Congressional Champion of Truth in Democracy’s Darkest Hour
**President Biden Awards Presidential Citizenship Medal to 20 Americans, Including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson**
In a ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizenship Medal to 20 Americans who have made significant contributions to the country through their dedication and sacrifice. The medal, which is the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, is awarded to individuals who have “exemplified exemplary service to their country or to their fellow citizens.” This year’s recipients include lawmakers who played a crucial role in responding to the January 6, 2021, violence at the U.S. Capitol, civil rights advocates, and individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.
The recipients include Liz Cheney, the Wyoming Republican who served as co-chair of the House’s investigation into the January 6 insurrection, and Bennie Thompson, the Mississippi Democrat who also played a key role in the investigation. Cheney has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly attacked her and her findings.
**The Investigation into the January 6 Insurrection**
In response to the January 6, 2021, violence at the U.S. Capitol, President Biden recognized those who were involved in defending the Capitol or who helped preserve the will of American voters during the 2020 presidential election when Trump attempteed to ovrturn the results. Cheney and Thompson led the House committees investigating the insurrection, and their efforts have been recognized with the Presidential Citizenship Medal.
**Biden’s Remarks**
In a statement, the White House stated that President Biden believes that these Americans are united by their shared decency and commitment to serving others. “The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice,” the statement added.
**The Recipients**
The Presidential Citizenship Medal was first established by President Richard Nixon in 1969 and is considered the second-highest civilian honor in the United States after the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The recipients include:
* Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, lawmakers who played a key role in investigating the January 6 insurrection
* Attorney Mary Bonauto, who fought to legalize same-sex marriage
* Marriage equality leader Evan Wolfson
* Frank Butler, who set new standards for the use of tourniquets for combat wounds
* Diane Carlson Evans, an Army nurse during the Vietnam War who founded the Women’s Memorial Foundation
* Eleanor Smeal, an activist who led women’s rights protests in the 1970s and fought for equal pay
* Photographer Bobby Sager
* Scholars Thomas Vallely and Paula Wallace
* National Breast Cancer Alliance President Frances Visco
**Former Legislators Honored**
Biden also honored former legislators, including:
* Former Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey
* Former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum, the first woman to represent Kansas
* New York Former state Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, who advocated for gun safety measures after her son and husband were shot to death
**Other Recipients**
Biden also awarded the medal to:
* Former war correspondent Joseph Galloway, who wrote about the first major battle in Vietnam in “We Were Soldiers…Young”
* Civil rights advocate and attorney Louis Galloway
* Louis Lorenzo Redding
* Former Delaware Judge Collins Seitz
* Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who was incarcerated with other Japanese Americans during World War II and challenged the internment
**Conclusion**
The Presidential Citizenship Medal is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of these individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. By awarding these individuals with this prestigious honor, President Biden recognizes their commitment to serving others and their country. The ceremony highlights the importance of public service and the impact that individuals can have on the country through their actions.
**FAQs**
* What is the Presidential Citizenship Medal?
The Presidential Citizenship Medal is the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, awarded to individuals who have “exemplified exemplary service to their country or to their fellow citizens.”
* Who are the recipients of the Presidential Citizenship Medal?
The recipients include Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, lawmakers who played a key role in investigating the January 6 insurrection, as well as other individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.
* What is the significance of the Presidential Citizenship Medal?
The medal recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of individuals who have made significant contributions to the country through their service and commitment to their fellow citizens.
**Conclusion**
The Presidential Citizenship Medal is a significant honor that recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of inuals who havdivide made significant contributions to the country. By awarding this medal to 20 Americans, President Biden highlights the importance of public service and the impact that individuals can have on the country through their actions.
