Presidential Citizens Medal

The Presidential Citizens Medal is the second highest civilian award in the United States, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is awarded by the President of the United States.

Established on November 13, 1969, the Presidential Citizens Medal may be granted to any United States citizen "who [has] performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or fellow citizens". The medal may be awarded posthumously.

On January 8, 2001, President William J. Clinton presented Congressman Edward R. Roybal with the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal for his continued devotion to improving the quality of life for all persons.

A devoted public servant for 43 years, the Honorable Edward R. Roybal was at the forefront of efforts to advance civil rights, protect the rights of minorities, civil liberties, establish mental health programs, fund AIDS research, and improve support services for veterans, the physically challenged, and the elderly. In 1976, he founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, creating a national forum for Latino issues and opened doors for a new generation of Latino leaders.

California Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard accepted the Presidential Citizens Medal at a White House ceremony on behalf of her father. "I am very proud to have accepted this award in the name of my father who worked during a very difficult time when Latinos did not have the aid and services they have today," said, Roybal-Allard.