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Houston Mayor Annise Parker joins the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation in encouraging individuals to submit nominations for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors. Citizens may nominate any U.S. civilian who has clearly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice for others through a single act of extraordinary heroism at risk to one's life or through a prolonged series of selfless acts. The nominee's actions must epitomize the concept of "service before self" and must be performed "above and beyond" one's professional area of responsibility or conduct.
These distinguished honors are unique because they are presented to "unsung heroes" by Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Currently, there are fewer than 85 living recipients of the country's highest award for valor. The recipients comprise the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, one of the most exclusive societies. The Society is founder of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, established to perpetuate the legacy of courage, selfless service and patriotism.
A panel, to include Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, will consider all nominations and select national finalists. The finalists will be announced on March 11, 2013. A second panel will select from among the finalists three individuals to receive the Citizen Service Before Self Honors. The recipients will be honored on March 25, 2013, in conjunction with National Medal of Honor Day. The ceremony will be held near the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
The nominations deadline is Friday, December 28, 2012. Citizens may nominate individuals by completing a nominations form online at www.CitizenServiceBeforeSelftHonors.org.
The Mayor's Volunteer Initiatives Program (VIP), a division of the Department of Neighborhoods, is proud to partner with the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to promote local participation in the Citizen Service Before Self Honors nominations process. To learn more about VIP, visit www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods.
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