Call for Citizens Medal Nomination

From the inbox:

PRESIDENT OBAMA LAUNCHES CITIZENS MEDAL PUBLIC NOMINATION PROCESS

Public Invited to Nominate Candidates for Nation's Second Highest
Civilian Honor



WASHINGTON, DC--In a video message released today, President Obama announced that the American public will be invited to nominate candidates for the Citizens Medal, the nation's second highest civilian award. For over 40 years, the Presidential Citizens Medal has recognized Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens." Past recipients have included
some of America's most respected public figures including Colin Powell, Bob Dole and Muhammad Ali but also everyday heroes like Oseola McCarty, a washerwoman who left her entire life savings to establish a scholarship fund for students in need. The President's video message can be viewed HERE
.

By asking the public to submit nominees, President Obama hopes to recognize exemplary citizens and local heroes who have significantly impacted their communities but who may not have garnered national attention.

"No matter who they are or where they come from, recipients of the Citizens Medal are united by an unwavering desire to serve," said President Obama. "And that's why this year, we are asking you to help nominate candidates for this extraordinary honor who exemplify the kind of selfless dedication that inspires us all to greater heights."

Public nominations will be reviewed by White House staff with the recipients selected by the President. Additional awardees may be selected outside of the public nomination process. The President will award the Citizens Medal in a ceremony at the White House in late spring.

Nominees must be citizens of the United States and fulfill specific criteria <http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/citizensmedal/criteria> . The nomination form is available at www.WhiteHouse.gov/citizensmedal. In order for nominations to be considered, all applications must be completed in full and submitted via www.WhiteHouse.gov/citizensmedal by
Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.