ABC News - LIVE: President Biden delivers remarks at a Presidential Citizens Medal ceremony
The speech highlights the value of active citizenship, urging individuals to strive for the high standards set by past leaders and citizens. It underscores the importance of unity and overcoming challenges as a nation. The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to individuals who have performed exemplary deeds of service, including diplomats, doctors, community organizers, and others who have contributed significantly to society. The recipients are recognized for their dedication to democracy, equality, justice, and public service. The speech also acknowledges the support of families in the achievements of these individuals, emphasizing that collective effort is crucial for national progress.
Key Points:
- Active citizenship is crucial for overcoming national challenges.
- The Presidential Citizens Medal honors exemplary service to the nation.
- Recipients include individuals from diverse fields like law, education, and public service.
- Family support is essential for the achievements of awardees.
- Unity and collective effort are vital for sustaining democracy.
Details:
1. 🇺🇸 Fostering American Citizenship and Unity
- The focus is on fostering active citizenship and unity despite individualism.
- The importance of finding common ground to strengthen community bonds.
- Encouraging civic engagement through education and local initiatives.
- Highlighting successful examples of communities that have improved unity through shared goals.
- Promoting policies that incentivize community participation and collaborative efforts.
- Utilizing technology to connect citizens and facilitate communication across diverse groups.
- Fostering a sense of shared responsibility and accountability among citizens.
2. 🇺🇸 Honoring Past Presidents and Active Citizenship
- The text underscores the significance of addressing challenges in a republic, with a belief in the citizens' ability to overcome them.
- It calls for individuals to conduct themselves in a manner that merits the title of 'good American citizens.'
- There is a notable emphasis on the contributions of hard work and dedication by the American people, including immigrants, to the nation's story.
- The narrative acknowledges America's ongoing story, shaped by those present since its founding and by immigrants seeking its promises.
- Specific examples include the hard work of immigrant communities that have contributed to economic growth and cultural enrichment.
- Past presidents are highlighted for their roles in upholding democratic values and inspiring citizens towards active participation.
3. 🎖 Presidential Citizens Medal: A Tribute to Service
- The Presidential Citizens Medal is one of the nation's highest honors, recognizing citizens who performed exemplary deeds of service to their country and fellow citizens.
- Over 50 years, presidents from both parties have awarded this medal to various Americans, including diplomats, doctors, conservationists, community organizers, philanthropists, and faith leaders.
- The current award ceremony acknowledges law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, and state and local election officials who defended the free and fair election of 2020.
- The honorees have dedicated their careers to serving democracy, embodying the high standard of active citizenship set by figures like Jimmy Carter.
4. 🌟 Recognizing Dedication and Impact
- Activists transformed pain into purpose by advocating for equality and justice, impacting societal norms and laws.
- Elected officials maintained democracy through honorable service during challenging times.
- Storytellers and educators inspired imagination and hope in difficult circumstances.
- Veterans advanced trauma care for women and contributed to building peace foundations.
- Emphasis on the idea that a nation's greatness stems from the goodness of its people, rooted in habits of heart, character, optimism, courage, and empathy.
5. 🇺🇸 Democracy's Heart: Values and Responsibilities
- The essence of democracy is recognizing fellow citizens as partners, not adversaries.
- Democracy fundamentally relies on the responsibilities of citizenship.
- The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to individuals exemplifying these democratic values.
- Acknowledgment of the support from families, emphasizing the communal aspect of democratic responsibilities.
6. 🎉 Ceremony Highlights: Celebrating Excellence
6.1. Mary L. Bado
6.2. Bill Bradley
6.3. Frank K. Butler Jr.
6.4. Elizabeth L. Cheney
6.5. Christopher J. Dodd
6.6. Diane Carlson Evans
6.7. Joseph L. Galloway
6.8. Nancy Landon Kassebaum
6.9. Ted Kaufman
6.10. Carolyn McCarthy
6.11. Lewis Lorenzo Redding
6.12. Bobby Sager
6.13. Colin J. Seitz
6.14. Eleanor Smeal
6.15. Bennie G. Thompson
6.16. Matsui Endo Susumi
6.17. Thomas J. Vallely
6.18. Francis M. Visco
6.19. Paula S. Wallace
6.20. Evan Wolfson
7. 🙏 Gratitude, Family Support, and Future Endeavors
- Acknowledgment of important senators and friends present, emphasizing the importance of collective support and collaboration.
- Highlighting the critical role of family support in enabling individuals to accomplish significant tasks, stressing that no one can achieve alone.
- Encouragement to continue working towards future goals, recognizing that there is more work to be done.
- A personal message about faith and perseverance, quoting family wisdom to "keep the faith" and "spread it," reinforcing a positive outlook and continuous effort.
8. 🎶 A Heartfelt Conclusion and Farewell
- Distinguished guests are requested to remain seated until the president and medal recipients have left the room.
- The event concludes with a heartfelt farewell, emphasizing gratitude and appreciation for the participants and audience.
- The atmosphere is described as respectful and solemn, reflecting the significance of the ceremony.
- The farewell includes a recap of the event's highlights, celebrating achievements and contributions recognized during the ceremony.
- Additional comments from attendees highlight the impactful and memorable nature of the event.