Thank you all very very much. Two years ago on January the 6th our democracy was attacked. There's no other way of saying it. The U. S. Capitol was breached, which had never happened before in the history of the United States of America. Even during the civil War *** violent mob of insurrectionists assaulted law enforcement, vandalized sacred halls, hunted down elected officials all for the purpose attempt to overthrow the will of the people and usurp the peaceful transfer of power. All of it All of it was fueled by lies about the 2020 election. But on this day, two years ago our democracy held because we the people as the constitution refers to us. We the people did not flinch. We the people endured. We the people prevailed in this day of remembrance, joined by the vice president, the second gentleman and all of you. We honor of *** remarkable group of Americans who embodied the best before. During and after January the 6th 2021. For the first time in my presidency. I'm bestowing the Presidential Citizens Medal one of our nation's highest civilian honors and recognizes quote citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. End of quote in *** few moments in *** few moments, the full citation of their exemplary deeds will be read by *** military aide. But this is who these people. These extraordinary americans are heroic law enforcement officers. As congressman. Bennie Thompson said *** man of immense character and honor himself eloquently said about these officers. He said quote, you held the line that day and what was on the line was our democracy and history will remember your names and history will remember your names, Remember your courage, remember your bravery, remember your extraordinary commitments to your fellow americans. That's not hyperbole. That's *** fact. That's *** fact. And folks history also gonna remember your instincts to respond to do something as you did. And as we all watched, this is the irony vote. All all America watched it, watched it on television and saw it repeated and repeated in the past months. We've heard you testify to the nation about what happened that day. What you were thinking of at the time was happening. What you're thinking now, the threats, the violence, the savageness of what happened, the trauma. All real. And it's not exaggeration to say, America owes you. Oh, you all I really mean this *** debt, *** debt of gratitude. Well, we can never fully repay unless we live up to what you did, live up to what you did and what you did was truly consequential. Not *** joke. If I can halt for *** second and just say to you, the impact what happened on july the sixth had international repercussions beyond what I think any of you can fully understand The first meeting I had of what they call the G-7, the seven leading economies in the world democracies. I sat down, it was in february. It was in England when I sat next to the president of France across from the chancellor from Germany, etcetera. And I said, America is back. You know what? The response was not *** joke for how long for how long? And I just sat there looked And I believe it was the prime minister of Italy who said, but I can't remember for certain which of the 76 said it. And what would you think mr president if tomorrow you woke up? And you had *** headline in the press saying that in the british parliament, *** mob had come down the hall, broken down the doors of the House of commons. Police officers were killed or died. The place was vandalized in order to overthrow the election of the speaker of the house, the Prime Minister's election. Think about it. Think about it. Well, we think if we heard that news today, many of the leading democracy in the world, through this, some folks, these people and the people representing those who couldn't be here because they gave their lives for this did is incredibly consequential. That's not political talk. That's historical fact. Officer Daniel Hodges, Metropolitan Police Department, Virginia, national Guardsmen, eight years, 8 years on the beat. His first time in tied to capital was on January. The 6th sprayed with poison pinned and crushed. I almost got edged out, But you didn't break after it was over. He was asked what he's been fighting for? It's *** local guy, an ordinary american and he gave *** simple, straightforward answer. What were you fighting for? His spontaneous answer was democracy. That's what he knew he was fighting for. He wasn't *** scholar, he wasn't historian, it was *** red blooded american. He was fighting for democracy. Former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Finnegan become friends. I've known, I've come to know him more 20 years in the job. Veterans narcotics investigator. At *** moment of crisis, he was asked to do undercover work elsewhere. But he answered the crisis call of our nation at the capitol. You answered, Michael, you always did. He was beaten, beaten, not pushed around, beaten and he was tased. Called *** traitor as the mob shouted, If you remember, kill him with his own gun, kill him with his own gun. But he defended our democracy with absolute courage. And ever since he's spoken out forcefully to make sure people are held accountable because he knows it could happen again. There's no guarantees except us, All of you. Private 1st class Harry Dunn From the United States Capitol Police. 14 years on the force. On that day he was outside Speaker Pelosi's office. He stood guard protecting fellow officers were already injured. He was fighting back insurrectionists across the capital while being called? The violence racist names. His own congressman, *** true constitutional scholar, Jamie Raskin who couldn't be here today as he recovers from cancer treatments. But he called and wanted me to say the following. I wrote it down Officer harry Dunn acted with remarkable courage and valor to defend both our institutions and our people went on to say generations to come, will think of him and these officers and thank them for their service and *** quote officer carol Edwards. five years on the force us capitol police on the front lines of the mob's first surge and she stood there she said and I'm not, I hope I'm correctly quoting you. You said it looked like *** movie looked like *** movie sometimes in crisis. Things look surreal, look like *** movie knocked unconscious with traumatic brain injury. She got back up to help hold the line. The granddaughter of two proud military veterans. She says it was her job to quote protect America's symbol of democracy. End of quote that building sergeant are keen. Excuse me Aquino, thank you pal, I'm glad you know your name right. He can call me president biden from now on. *** proud immigrant from the Dominican Republic. 16 years in the forest like my son, an Iraqi war veteran with the United States Military, United States Army Who described January six as something from *** medieval battle trying to keep insurrections from entering the tunnel entrance on the lower west terrace as he got punched blinded with *** laser speared with an american flag pole with american flag on it. The flag. He swore to defend. He stood tall in the breach with *** deep and abiding love demonstrated for his country. Officer Eugene Goodman, an army veteran who put himself at risk as *** rifle squad leader conducting combat patrols to identify explosives in Baghdad. He came home, he came home to guard the US Capitol for the last 15 years. On January six he risked his own safety to distract the charging group of insurrectionists. He said his duty is to serve and protect. He said that day just doing part he was protecting and he did. He protected all of you. I know this honor is bittersweet On that day. More than 140 law enforcement officials suffered physical injuries and untold numbers are suffering from psychological toll of that day as well. PsD doesn't only occur in *** military battlefield. Others are gone forever. And I said earlier, if I can hold *** minute here, I said earlier, you know, for those who lost someone on that day, they're proud as the devil that their kin are being honored. But boy is it hard? I know how proud I am when my son beau is honored on anniversary of his death as *** consequence of burn pits in Iraq. But it brings everything back like it happened that moment. So to all the families here, all the families who lost someone, My heart aches for you and I want to thank you for having the courage to be here today. So the rest of America can no what your kin did including capitol police officer brian sick nick, who will be receiving this medal posthumously? Veteran of the New Jersey Air National Guard, 13 years in the Capitol Police Force as an officer. He lost his life after protecting the citadel of democracy. We're joined by his family today whom my wife Jill and I met when we paid our respects of the capitol rotunda two years ago. I know you're proud of the honor being bestowed on brian but I also know this difficult moment because it brings back everything as if it happened this very day. But thank you for being here and thank you for letting us remember brian. Thank you Capitol police officer Howard Liebman Good receiving this medal posthumously. Howard's dad was *** good friend of mine. I served with his dad, his dad was sergeant at arms in the United States Senate Chief of Staff for Republican senators. We were genuinely friends. Officer leading good patrol, the grounds outside the Senate office building on January six. He worked nearly nonstop in the days that followed and he lost his life after protecting the democratic institutions. He learned to revere growing up his family, his widow serena were here today. Serena is honored Howard's memory by advocating for quote positive change on mental health issues for his fellow law enforcement officers and other reforms. Help them cope with the crisis they encounter Metro Police Officer Department Officer Jeffrey smith. We'll be receiving this medal posthumously as well. He was part of the first line of officers who entered when the capital was breached sold it many times the last time with *** metal pipe after his death his widow along with Aaron, his widow erin along with many others worked tirelessly to pay to pass in the Congress. The public safety officers support act, which I signed in the law last summer. The law recognizes death by silent injury like officer smith and officer leaving good. So future families of public safety officers who die in the wake of traumatic circumstances will get the benefits they deserve. It's long overdue today There's *** ceremony to honour heroes of January six. We also recognize the late U. S. Capitol police officer Billy Evans. His family is with us today. Three months after January six while they're still cordoning off the capital because threats these by the sick insurrectionist continue to profligate ID on the internet Again, all America saw what happened, what officer Evans was killed defending the checkpoint. It had to go through to get up to the capital because of these God awful sick threats continue to move forward and the whole world saw it. It's just hard to believe. It's hard to believe it could happen here in America When I was *** 29 year old Kid got elected. The Senate came down here to be sworn in. I was after I was 30. The idea that if you told me that I could hear my own voice, I would be amazed, right but all can decide. Think about it. Think about this Jill. I also met the family through attended to pay our respects and I was honored to sign the law bill awarding the congressional medal gold medal To those who protect the capital on January six and to honour officer sick Nick Evans leaving Good Smith for those sacrifices. These officers are the best among us. We're also honored to be joined by many other members of the various law enforcement agency here today. And we're here on that January six. We thank all of them as well. I want to thank you all for your service, your strength, your courage and that's corny thing to say. But your patriotism joining these law enforcement officers. Honorees are five other public servants, ruby Freeman and her daughter Sheamus Grant. Where are you guys sitting very ready to No, there were election workers from Atlanta Georgia ruby who for years has taken time away from running their own business to work on election season to honor voting rights and heritage of her beloved city. Her daughter Shea, who learned from her grandma how older generations of her family fought so hard to even get the right to vote. So she decided to become *** full time election worker to help the elderly disabled. The students exercise their fundamental right to vote. Both of them were just doing their jobs until they were targeted and threatened by the same predators and peddlers of lies that would fuel the insurrection. They were literally forced from their homes facing despicable racist taunts. But despite it all ruby Freeman and Shane Moss found the courage to testify openly and honestly for the to the whole country in the world about their experience to set the record straight about the lies and defend the integrity of our elections, ruby and Shay you don't deserve what happened to you, but you do deserve the nation's eternal thanks for showing the dignity and grace of we the people presumptuous of me but I'm so proud of you both, so proud of you both Albert smith, *** former Republican City commissioner in philadelphia who spent *** decade overseeing nonpartisan counting of votes. But like so many other local election workers in 2020, he was harassed and threatened as he did his job faithfully. He did not bend, he did not bow, he did not yield to the political threats and pressure. He's so trusted by both political parties that the new democratic governor of pennsylvania, josh Shapiro appointed him as pennsylvania's secretary of state, *** republican ensured that the integrity of the elections. That's *** high compliment, his character and his commitment. Speak volumes of we the people. That's what we also see in Dawson Benson twice elected michigan secretary of state to protect the sacred right to vote and have that vote counted fairly. That's what she did in 2020 when she oversaw *** record number of michiganders turn out to vote in that election only to find an armed mob. An armed mob outside of her home on christmas Eve, when she and her son were decorating their christmas tree inside, but she refused to back down. She'd done her duty. She kept her oath full of integrity. She is *** true leader in our nation. And thank you. Thank you. Thank you for what you've done. Oh, and finally, Rusty Bowers, *** former Republican Speaker of the House in the state of Arizona. When I met him today, I said, I hope I'm not hurting your reputation. Where are you, Rusty? He's hiding behind you. He's able to do that. Rusty. We may not agree on all things. We agree on what this country's about, though. We agree that public service is not without. It's not about what you're willing to do to win. It's about what you're willing to lose over what you're willing to lose over. Rusty. Put his obligation to the constitution in this country ahead of everything. When he refused intense political pressure to decertify the 2020 election results. His courage is proud of the reason why he's lost his primary last year. Rusty? You're an example is *** demonstration to every young man and woman. Thinking about entering politics about what integrity. What integrity is all about. I'm not exaggerating. Thank you. Thank you for your integrity and your folks, my fellow americans. I want you to give one round of applause again, today's recipients of the presidential Citizens Medal patriots who have performed exemplary deeds in the service of this great nation. And let me close with this 82 years ago. On this very day in 1941, president franklin Roosevelt delivered the state of the Union address that became known as his famous for freedom speech. As he defined America's place in the world reminded the american people of quote, the strength from the things which have been done to make its people conscious of their individual steak and the preservation of democratic life in America. Things that have toughened the fiber of our people, renewed their faith and strengthen the devotions and institutions we make ready to protect end of quote 80 years ago after that speech on this day, two years ago we were reminded about the most fundamental of things democracy itself. As I've said before, we face an inflection point in our nation's history On January six as *** reminder that there's nothing guaranteed about our democracy. Remember learning in undergraduate school high school that every generation is required to earn it defend it protected. I was *** senator for *** long time. I was vice president, then president. I'd have to tell you, I began to think looking back on it that it was just permanent in the United States just was eternal. Nothing would happen. That's why I was so pleased to see democrats and republicans work together to pass the Electoral count reform Act that I just signed *** law to protect the will of the people in the past. Peaceful transfer of power and defending and protecting our democracy also means that despite our differences of opinion, we must say clearly with the United voice that there's no place none 00 place in America for voter intimidation zero never and political violence. They're completely contrary to the notion of democracy. You know, America is *** land of laws and not chaos, *** nation of peace and not violence. We're not *** land of kings and dictators, autocrats and extremist as we see in today's honorees. We're *** nation of we the people that toughen our fiber, renew our faith and strengthen our cause. Just remember who in God's name we are where the United States of America, the United States America and there's nothing, there is nothing. There has never been *** single thing. We've set our mind to that. We've been failed to accomplish. There's nothing beyond our capacity if we act together remember who in God's name. We are so God bless you all and may God protect our troops and may God protect those who stand watch over democracy. I now have the opportunity and the great honor to award the medals to these incredible individuals and their representatives. Lieutenant Commander shields. Would you come and please read the citations, the presidential citizens medal recipients Jocelyn Benson Jocelyn Benson was elected twice by the people of michigan as their secretary of state, where she continues her steadfast commitment to protect the right to vote and the integrity of our elections in the state of michigan. In 2020, she administered an election with record turnout and certified the results in the face of unprecedented pressure and threats, including armed protesters outside her home. We the people honor the undaunted and unflinching michigan Secretary of state, Jocelyn Benson, who continues her exemplary public service to advance free and fair elections in our nation. Russell Bowers, an artist, rancher and fourth generation Arizona, Rusty Bowers represented the people of Arizona for almost two decades, rising to become speaker of the House In *** dire hour of our democracy. He put country before party by refusing attempts to decertify the 2020 election and overturn the will of the people. He endured menacing protests including at his home and eventually lost an election because of his courageous actions. We the people honor Rusty Bowers *** public servant guided by *** deep faith and unbreakable oath to God, family and country. Harry Dunn *** champion college football lineman Harry Dunn has put his protective instincts to *** higher purpose as *** U. S. Capitol police officer. On January 6, 2021, he rushed to project injured fellow officers fighting back insurrectionists, his powerful testimony describing violence and stinging racism laid bare the day's facts for history and his advocacy on behalf of officers. Battling lasting trauma, is helping to ease the stigma around mental health in our nation. For defending the citadel of our democracy and for seeking truth and healing. We, the people on our US capitol police private first class harry *** done Caroline Edwards, the granddaughter of proud military veterans. Caroline Edwards left *** corporate career to follow in their footsteps serving our nation. On January 6, 2021, she helped stop advancing insurrectionists even after being knocked unconscious in the mob's first brutal surge. She has also fought for colleagues as *** police union board member and peer counselor, and her congressional testimony will help ensure their valor is never forgotten for her courageous defense of our democracy and service to fellow officers. We the people on our US capitol police officer Caroline Edwards, Michael Finnegan, The grandson of *** police officer. Michael Finnegan was born to protect and serve *** decorated narcotics investigator. He took an off duty call to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, helping to derive insurrectionists away from *** key tunnel and facing vicious attack. He immediately became one of the day's most outspoken truth seekers for his absolute courage in protecting the capital and our democracy and his tenacious search for accountability, we the people on our former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Finnegan ruby Freeman inspired by the voting rights legacy of her beloved Atlanta Lady ruby Freeman viewed her civic duty as *** Fulton County election worker as *** sacred mission to ensure the people of Georgia could exercise their fundamental right to vote freely and fairly. In the 2020 election, she upheld that sacred mission despite an orchestrated campaign to overturn the election and that targeted and threatened her and her family to the nation. She bore witness of the trauma and tragedy of that experience. And today we the people on our lady ruby Freeman as part of our nation's voting rights history. Our Colleen O Donnell as *** child. *** colina Anil immigrated to America from the Dominican republic. He became the first in his family to graduate college, serving in the U. S. Army and then in the U. S. Capitol police. On january 6th 2021 he courageously stood firm at the doors of the capitol as insurrectionists stormed the entrance, sustaining serious injuries as he protected members of Congress and defended our democracy. He later testified publicly to ensure our nation and history, never forget for patriotism that puts love of country before self. We, the people on our US capitol police Sergeant, Aquilino Hagan El Eugene Goodman, an army combat veteran and *** U. S. Capitol police officer. Eugene Goodman embodies fearless public service in the breach. On january 6th 2021 he made himself *** target to divert insurrectionists away from the Senate chamber, enabling the former Vice president lawmakers and staff to escape safely in the face of *** clear and present danger he did his duty and he did not flinch for his valor and for ensuring the constitutional order. We, the people on our US capitol police officer, Eugene Goodman, Daniel Hodges, *** Virginia, National Guardsmen and Metropolitan Police Department Officer Daniel Hodges has dedicated his life to serving his community and our nation. On january 6th 2021 he fought to push surging insurrectionists away from *** key tunnel into the capital, returning to the line even after being brutally crushed and beaten, His courageous testimony will help ensure that we never forget or let such an attack happen again for his heroism and unwavering commitment to the truth. We the people honor Metropolitan Police Department Officer Daniel Hodges dr serena Livengood, accepting on behalf of Howard Livengood, the proud son of the U. S. Senate sergeant at arms. Howard Livengood left *** career as *** champion race car driver to follow in his late father's footsteps, protecting the democratic institutions they both revered. He died after battling insurrectionists at the capitol and staying on to restore security. In the crucial days after january 6th, his painful loss helped change the law to better honor the unimaginable sacrifice that too many officers and their families face for his deep dedication and selfless service. We the people on our U. S. Capitol police officer. Howard C Livengood Andrea are Shaye Moss inspired by the stories her mother told her about the movement for voting rights in America Sheamus pursued *** career as an election worker in fulton county Georgia Because of her dedicated service. She faced death threats, harassment and intimidation by those seeking to overturn the outcome of the 2020 election. She would later testify to the nation about her pain and resolve. Today. We the people on our show famous for helping to ensure the american people have *** voice in the destiny of our nation. Albert Schmidt, *** former federal civil servant and the city commissioner of Philadelphia. Albert Schmidt has spent his career on the unsung yet necessary task of making democracy work for the people in the 2020 election. Despite intense political pressure, he did what he had always done ensured the integrity of the election and faithfully oversaw the nonpartisan counting of the ballots. We the people honor Albert Schmidt for his clarity of purpose to protect every american's sacred right to vote and to have that vote counted, Charles and Gladys Sick Nick accepting on behalf of brian de sick Nick, *** New Jersey air national guardsman who served two tours overseas brian sick nick was *** U. S. Capitol police officer devoted to serving our nation for over *** decade. He guarded the capitol including on january 6th 2021. He lost his life protecting our elected representatives upholding the will of the american people and defending our constitution. His heroism, courage and character set an example for generations of americans to come and will never be forgotten for his service and his ultimate sacrifice. We the people on our US capitol police officer, brian D. Sick nick Aaron smith, accepting on behalf of Jeffrey L. Smith. *** 12 year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department Officer, Jeffrey smith dedicated his life to public service on january 6th 2021 as he fought the violent mob, officer smith sustained devastating head injuries from multiple assaults inside and outside the capital. He died after protecting Congress guarding the capital and preserving our democracy. His passing sparked changes in the law that honor the silent injuries of our fallen officers for his extraordinary heroism. Pure courage and unwavering devotion to the nation. We the people honor Metropolitan Police Department Officer Jeffrey L smith. Well, as I said, the outset, this is warranted in some sense is overdue, but also incredibly difficult for the families and particularly the families of those who lost *** hero defending our democracy. And but I tell you people who will go through. Unfortunately, similar losses are gonna look at y'all and say that's the grace and dignity that I want to display. So really thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Well, thank you again for your service and sacrifice and may God bless your families! May God protect our troops. Thank you all very much. Please remain in your seats as the president. Vice President. Second gentleman and recipients depart. Thank you