WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Obama welcomed to the White House last month the 13 winners of the 2010 Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor.

Established Nov. 13, 1969, the Presidential Citizens Medal may be granted to any United States citizen who performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or fellow citizens. The medal may be awarded posthumously. Only the Presidential Medal of Freedom ranks as a higher award for private citizens.

"We are here to recognize - and this is one of my favorite events that I do every year - we're here to recognize winners of the Citizens Medal. This is one of the highest honors a president can bestow. And their lives stand as shining examples of what it means to be an American," Obama said as he introduced the honorees.

This year, Obama chose to use the Citizens Medal to recognize Americans whose work has had a significant impact on their commu.
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