Barack Obama is looking for outstanding Americans to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest
civilian honor.
The president sent an email to the White House email list on Monday,
stating that the White House is “looking for Americans who have performed
exemplary deeds of service outside of their regular jobs and provided
inspiration for others to serve.”
Asking Americans to participate in the nomination process is a new tradition Obama started last year.
“I know there are thousands of citizens out
there who meet these criteria—I read their letters every night, and
I meet many of them in my travels around the country,” he wrote. “I also know
that many times their contributions go unrecognized. The 2011
Citizens Medal is a chance to recognize the everyday heroes in your
community.”
While
past recipients have included such respected public figures as Colin
Powell, Bob Dole and Muhammad Ali, unknown everyday heroes have been honored
as well. Susan Retik Ger, a 2010 recipient and widow who lost her
husband in the 9/11 tragedy, educates and trains Afghan widows and
their children.
Public
nominations will be reviewed by White House staff, and additional
nominees may also be identified outside of the public
nomination process. Obama will select the recipients of the 2011
Citizens Medal and honor them in a ceremony at the White House. More
than 6,000 nominations were sent to the White House last year, and 13
citizens were invited to receive the medal.
Presidential Citizens Medal, which has been awarded for more than 40
years, recognizes individuals:
•Who
have a demonstrated commitment to service in their own community or
in communities farther from home.
•Who
have helped their country or their fellow citizens through one or
more extraordinary acts.
•Whose
service relates to a long-term or persistent problem.
•Whose
service has had a sustained impact on others’ lives and provided
inspiration for others to serve.
A full list of the criteria may be viewed
here. Applications must be
submitted by Monday, May 30, 11:59 p.m. EST.
