Biden Honors Prominent Figures For Courageous Roles In Recent History

US Capitol building under clear blue sky

President Joe Biden’s decision to award the Presidential Citizens Medal to leaders of the January 6 probe marks a significant recognition of commitment to democratic principles.

At a Glance

President Biden awards the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 individuals.
The medal, created by Nixon in 1969, is the second-highest civilian honor in the U.S.
Noteworthy honorees include Liz Cheney and Bennie G. Thompson.
The medals celebrate contributions to various civil rights and societal advancements.

Honoring Exemplary Leadership on January 6 Probe

President Joe Biden will honor twenty individuals at the White House with the Presidential Citizens Medal. This award, the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, acknowledges significant contributions to the public interest. Notable recipients include Liz Cheney and Bennie G. Thompson, recognized for their leadership roles in the investigation of the January 6 Capitol attack. Thompson and Cheney led a committee that concluded that former President Donald Trump engaged in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results.

The White House has lauded these individuals for their dedication to transparency and democratic principles. Cheney was praised for her courage in defending national ideals of freedom, dignity, and decency. Meanwhile, Thompson’s steadfast commitment to the rule of law was described by the White House as being “at the forefront of defending the rule of law with unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth.”.

President Joe Biden is bestowing the second highest civilian medal on Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson—the lawmakers who led the congressional investigation into the violent Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot by Donald Trump’s supporters.https://t.co/iek2ZE85h1 pic.twitter.com/bvmVLvtiVf

— WAVY TV 10 (@WAVY_News) January 2, 2025

Wide-Ranging Contributions Honored

Apart from those involved in the investigation of the January 6 events, the awards extend to other fields of public service. Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson will be recognized for their efforts in legalizing same-sex marriage. Additionally, Frank Butler is acknowledged for his transformative work in military trauma care, and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi receives posthumous recognition for her WWII-era legal challenge against Japanese American imprisonment.

“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,” said the White House in a statement.

The ceremony will further acknowledge former U.S. Senators Bill Bradley and Nancy Kassebaum, among others, for their longstanding public service. These recognitions underscore the broader spectrum of societal contributions, from civil rights to gender equality and military advancements. The diverse group of honorees highlights the importance of collaborative efforts toward positive societal change.

Biden is giving Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson the Presidential Citizens Medal for leading the Jan. 6 probe, just weeks before Donald Trump returns to the White House https://t.co/OGjNhbhZOX

— Bloomberg Politics (@bpolitics) January 2, 2025

Diverse Recognitions and Controversy

Among the honorees are individuals recognized posthumously for their service, such as journalist Joseph Galloway and civil rights lawyer Louis Redding. Despite the accolades, the ceremony has not been without controversy. Former President Trump has openly criticized the January 6 committee and its leaders, suggesting they should face imprisonment. Meanwhile, Biden considers issuing preemptive pardons for those targeted by Trump.

“Cheney did something that’s inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps,” Trump said on Meet The Press.

The awards ceremony marks a poignant moment in recognizing the steadfast efforts of these individuals in areas ranging from frontline activism to legislative reforms. Ultimately, Biden’s recognition of these efforts not only honors the individuals involved but also signifies a larger commitment to upholding values essential to national unity and progress.