2012 Citizens Medal: Open for Nominations

For more than 40 years, the Presidential Citizens Medal has recognized Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens." On Monday, the President invited you, the American public, to nominate everyday heroes for one of our nation’s highest civilian honors.

Who is your hero? Who has gone above and beyond, performing extraordinary deeds of service? Help us recognize the exemplary citizen from your community -- and bring them the public attention they deserve by nominating them for this year’s medal.

Here is an inspiring example of a hero honored last year:

• Roberto Perez: As President of Alfalit, a non-profit organization combating illiteracy, Roberto Perez has led the charge in fighting illiteracy from Africa to South America. The organization has helped 7 million people learn to read in 22 countries. Perez previously worked as a social worker and as an ordained Methodist Pastor, counseling prison inmates and recovering alcoholics. Perez received the Citizens Medal for his passion and work on behalf of the less fortunate around the globe.

If you know someone like Roberto Perez, please take a moment to nominate him or her for the 2012 Citizens medal by April 24, 2012.

Nominees must be citizens of the United States, as required by the 1969 Executive Order. If you want to nominate someone for the 2012 Citizens Medal, please review the full criteria for this year's Medal. The deadline to submit is Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.