Photo: Detroit Free Press / USA Today
LANSING, January 6, 2023 ~ President Joe Biden is awarding Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson with the Presidential Citizens Medal for “exemplary contributions” to the country’s democracy following the 2020 election.
“I was really overwhelmed because I was just doing my job…protecting the will of the people,” said Jocelyn Benson to 760 WJR’s Paul W. Smith. “It’s the job I signed up for, the job that I love. To be honored alongside these heroes who stood guard at the Capitol on January 6…is very humbling and meaningful.”
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January 6, 2023 ~ Paul W. Smith congratulates Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson as she prepares to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal for her work making Michigan’s elections secure and safe.
(CONTINUED) Biden will award Jocelyn Benson, along with 11 others, the second-highest civilian honor during a ceremony at the White House today, January 6 — two years after supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol.
The medal is awarded to citizens who have “performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens,” and is only second to the Presidential Medal of Freedom for civilian honors.
According to the White House, SOS Benson was selected due to pressure she faced from protesters who gathered outside her home in December 2020, chatting “Stop the Steal,” while some were reportedly armed.
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