About the Ceremony

There is no greater demonstration of our nation's appreciation of these Presidential medals than the ceremony itself. The majesty of the ceremony is matched by the setting.

In most years, the National Medals are awarded by the President in the East Room of the White House. The laureates are announced and proceed through the center doorway of the East Room, which is filled to capacity with their friends, family, colleagues, congressional representatives, cabinet members and the cameras of the White House press corps. The President of the United States is announced and makes his way to the podium.

Following a presidential address, each laureate's citation is read by a White House military staff member as he or she walks to the stage to receive their medal from the President of the United States and a place in US history.

Preparations are underway in the East Room where the ceremony will begin within the hour.