President Joe Biden will be awarding the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 individuals on Thursday, including Liz Cheney and Rep. Bennie Thompson. Cheney and Thompson served as chair and vice chair of the Committee on the January 6 attack, with Cheney facing criticism from former President Donald Trump. The White House praised Thompson for his dedication to upholding the rule of law and commitment to truth during his time on the committee.
The Presidential Citizens Medal is a prestigious honor bestowed upon American citizens who have demonstrated exceptional service to their country or fellow citizens. Biden has chosen to recognize individuals connected to the January 6, 2021 insurrection, following a similar pattern in 2023 when he awarded the medal to 12 people on the attack's second anniversary.
Among this year's honorees are law enforcement officers who sustained injuries while defending the Capitol, a Capitol Police officer who tragically passed away the day after the riot, and election workers who resisted attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Additionally, attorney and activist Mary Bonauto, known for her efforts in legalizing same-sex marriage in several states and arguing before the Supreme Court in a landmark case, will be recognized. Evan Wolfson, a prominent figure in the marriage equality movement, is also set to receive the award.
Posthumous honors will be given to civil rights advocate Louis Lorenzo Redding and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who played a pivotal role in ending the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. These individuals have made significant contributions to society and exemplify the values of service and dedication that the Presidential Citizens Medal represents.
