This post originally appeared on the White House Blog on March 14, 2013. Recipients of the 2012 medal included Sen. Harris Wofford, former CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and AmeriCorps alumni Patience Lehrman.

For more 40 years, the Presidential Citizens Medal has recognized Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens." The Medal is among the highest awards a civilian can receive.

In February, at a ceremony in the East Room, President Obama honored the recipients of the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal, including twelve individuals and six educators from Sandy Hook Elementary. You can read more about them here and hear their stories:

 

The 2013 Citizens Medal nomination period is now open. Help us recognize the exemplary citizen from your community -- and bring them the public attention they deserve by taking a moment to nominate them for this year's medal by March 31, 2013.

Nominees must be citizens of the United States, as required by the 1969 Executive Order. If you want to nominate someone for the 2013 Citizens Medal, please review the full criteria for this year's Medal. The deadline to submit is Sunday, March 31, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Today Sen. Harris Wofford received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Obama during a White House ceremony. We salute Sen. Wofford as he receives this honor and for his role as a longtime supporter and former CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. We’ve created a video that pays tribute to his legacy and highlights his life in public service.