Politics. On Point.

On his own 49th birthday, President Obama honored thirteen winners from across the country with the gift of the citizens' medal of honor - the nation’s second-highest civilian honor. President Obama Congratulates Ms. Myrtle Faye Rumph of Inglewood, CA on receiving the Citizens Medal of Honor. Photo/CD Brown. “What unites these citizens – what makes them special – is the determination they share to find a wrong and right it; to see a need and meet it; to recognize when others are suffering and take it upon themselves to make a difference,” said President Obama. “These honorees’ lives stand as shining examples of what it means to be an American. And today, we have an opportunity to tell their stories; to say thank you; and to offer them a small token of our appreciation.” The Citizens Medal was established in 1969 to recognize American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. This year, President Obama chose to...

Update :  View video of the ceremony here . ______ President Obama will deliver remarks at a naturalization ceremony for 24 members of the United States Armed Forces. This ceremony recognizes the contributions made by immigrant members of the U.S. armed forces who have earned their American citizenship through service to our country, and the contributions immigrants from all walks of life have made to our country throughout its history. Alejandro Mayorkas , Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within the Department of Homeland Security, will present the home countries of the candidates for citizenship, and Secretary Janet Napolitano will administer the oath of citizenship. President Obama will then present Sergeant Ledum Ndaanee , U.S. Marine Corps (E-5) with the Outstanding American by Choice recognition, which highlights the outstanding achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens. Service men and women being honored include : Michael Zach Armstro...