President Joe Biden is set to award the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, to 20 individuals in a ceremony at the White House on Thursday. Among the honorees are former Representatives Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, who led the congressional investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot. Their leadership in the inquiry drew sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump, who has called for their imprisonment.
Acknowledging Service and Sacrifice
The White House issued a statement lauding the honorees:
“President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.”
The Presidential Citizens Medal, created in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, recognizes individuals who have performed exceptional deeds of service for their country or fellow citizens.
Cheney and Thompson’s Contributions
Cheney, a Republican, and Thompson, a Democrat, co-chaired the House Select Committee investigating the events of January 6, 2021. The committee’s final report accused Trump of engaging in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 election results and failing to act as his supporters stormed the Capitol. Thompson stated that Trump “lit that fire.”
Cheney, who lost her Wyoming congressional seat after opposing Trump, has since supported Democratic candidates, further fueling tensions with her former party.
Trump continues to dispute the findings of the January 6 committee, describing Cheney, Thompson, and their colleagues as “political thugs” and alleging misconduct without evidence.
Honoring Champions of Equality and Advocacy
Other notable recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal include:
- Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, key figures in the fight for same-sex marriage equality.
- Diane Carlson Evans, an Army nurse in Vietnam and founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation.
- Eleanor Smeal, a trailblazer in the women’s rights movement.
- Frank Butler, who innovated the use of tourniquets for war injuries.
The honorees also include academics, activists, and former lawmakers who have championed issues ranging from gun safety to cancer research.
Posthumous Recognitions
Four individuals will be honored posthumously:
- Joseph Galloway, a war correspondent and author of We Were Soldiers Once… and Young.
- Louis Lorenzo Redding, a civil rights lawyer.
- Collins Seitz, a Delaware judge.
- Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who legally challenged Japanese American internment during World War II.
Celebrating Exemplary Citizenship
This year’s awards reflect a broad spectrum of contributions to society, from defending democracy to advancing civil rights and healthcare. As President Biden bestows these honors, the ceremony underscores the enduring value of service, sacrifice, and dedication to the betterment of the nation.
