Michigan SOS Jocelyn Benson to receive Presidential Citizens Medal

(CBS DETROIT) – Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will obtain the Presidential Residents Medal, the nation’s second-highest civil award, on the White Home on Friday.

Benson is one in all 12 folks receiving the medal. Different recipients embrace Capitol and Washington D.C. law enforcement officials, election employees, and Arizona Home Speaker Rusty Bowers.

The ceremony shall be hosted on the two-year anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Supporters of former President Donald Trump pushed by means of Capitol doorways in an try to stop Congress from certifying Biden’s election win.

In an announcement on Thursday, Benson mentioned she was honored to obtain the medal.

“Because the heroes who stood guard over the nation’s electoral votes on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, can attest, defending each voice and each vote requires braveness and dedication to nation, our Structure, and the need of the American voters,” Benson mentioned within the assertion. 

“This extraordinary recognition affirms in me the hope that we’ll emerge out of this second with a democracy that has not solely prevailed, however is stronger, more healthy, and extra sturdy than ever earlier than. That’s what I struggle for, what I’ve hope for, and what I’ve confidence that each one of us working collectively – coming collectively throughout occasion strains and all else that might divide us – can obtain.” 

The award was first launched in 1969 below then-President Richard Nixon. Earlier recipients included Hank Aaron, Gen. Colin Powell, Muhammad Ali and Ruby Bridges.