U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday presented the Presidential Citizens Medal to fourteen individuals for «protecting the Capitol» at a ceremony marking the second anniversary of the assault on Congress, which took place on January 6, 2021.
Among those honored were both members of the armed forces who were on duty that day and members of government at the local and state levels, the White House said in a statement. Some of them were injured during the assault perpetrated by supporters of former President Donald Trump.
«For the first time during my presidency I am presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in our nation. It recognizes U.S. citizens who have acted exemplarily in the service of their country or its citizens,» Biden said during the event.
Vice President Kamala Harris recalled earlier Friday that on January 6, 2021, «American democracy came under heavy assault when attackers invaded the Capitol in an attempt to reverse a lawfully held election and silence the voice of the people.»
«Thanks to the courage of our officers and the resolve of our representatives, this assault failed,» he said, before adding that he «was able to witness the heroism of those who defend our nation’s capital.»
In this sense, he urged to «continue the fight to safeguard and strengthen democracy and preserve the most sacred rights and freedoms for future generations».
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
