Biden Honors 20 Americans with Presidential Citizens Medal for Service and Sacrifice
Thompson, a champion of civil rights, led the bipartisan House committee investigating the insurrection, which sought to hold those responsible for disrupting the certification of the 2020 presidential election accountable.
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 distinguished individuals during a ceremony at the White House, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the nation. The honorees included Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson and former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney, two figures who played pivotal roles in investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Thompson, a champion of civil rights, led the bipartisan House committee investigating the insurrection, which sought to hold those responsible for disrupting the certification of the 2020 presidential election accountable. A Mississippi native who grew up during segregation, Thompson's decades of public service are rooted in his commitment to racial justice, grassroots organizing, and voter rights. Elected to Congress in 1993, Thompson became the longest-serving African American lawmaker in the state's history.
Cheney, a staunch conservative and former member of Congress, co-led the investigation into the Capitol riot as vice chair of the committee. Despite facing fierce opposition from within her party, Cheney’s unyielding stand against former President Donald Trump and her commitment to preserving democracy resulted in her 2022 defeat in the Republican primary. Cheney’s willingness to risk her political career to defend the truth about January 6 underscored her dedication to holding Trump accountable for his role in the attack.
The committee's investigation concluded in December 2022 with a report that accused Trump of orchestrating a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the election results. The findings further solidified the committee’s bipartisan effort to ensure that the events surrounding the Capitol attack were thoroughly examined.
Other notable honorees included Mary L. Bonauto, recognized for her advocacy in the fight for marriage equality, which led to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Posthumous honors were granted to civil rights attorneys Louis L. Redding and Collins J. Seitz for their groundbreaking efforts in dismantling school segregation, which contributed to the historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling.
Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, also recognized posthumously, was lauded for her legal challenge to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, a significant step in the fight for civil rights. Frances Visco, a breast cancer survivor, was honored for her advocacy in securing increased federal funding for breast cancer research and improving healthcare access for women.
Biden also celebrated the contributions of longstanding allies like Ted Kaufman and Chris Dodd, whose work in public service spanned decades and touched areas such as financial reform, international diplomacy, and childcare legislation. Diane Carlson Evans, a Vietnam War-era Army nurse, was honored for founding the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation, which ensured the recognition of female military personnel.
Other recipients included Carolyn McCarthy, an advocate for gun safety, and Thomas Vallely, a Marine veteran and peace advocate who fostered U.S.-Vietnam relations. Paula Wallace, a transformative figure in professional education, was recognized for her work at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The Presidential Citizens Medal, first established in 1969, honors Americans who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the country.
President Biden lauded the honorees for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the nation's values. "The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice," he said during the ceremony.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated once again on January 20, has frequently criticized the January 6 committee and its leaders. Trump dismissed their efforts as politically motivated, describing Cheney, Thompson, and the committee as "political thugs." He also reiterated his intention to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 riot if he returns to office.
Despite the ongoing political divisions, Biden’s acknowledgment of these individuals highlights their enduring influence in shaping the nation's political landscape and reinforcing democratic principles.
