Obama to Award Presidential Citizens Medal to Bedford Residents in White House Ceremony

A Bedford couple will receive the Presidential Citizens Medal next week, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor—second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Liz and Stephen Alderman will be honored for their work through the Peter C. Alderman Foundation, named for the son they lost in the World Trade Center attacks in 2001. The foundation provides mental health treatment to individuals who have experienced the atrocities of terrorism and mass violence by training health care professionals and establishing clinics in post-conflict countries including Cambodia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Haiti.

“This year’s recipients of the Citizens Medal come from different backgrounds, but they share a commitment to a cause greater than themselves,” said President Obama in a news statement.  “They exemplify the best of what it means to be an American, and I am honored to be able to offer them a small token of our appreciation.”

The Aldermans are thrilled to be receiving the recognition, but what's more important, they said, is to receive affirmation for the work.

"It's a way to let people know that mental health counts," said Liz Alderman. "And it's a confirmation that we are leaving a mark on the world for Peter."

The Citizens Medal was established in 1969 to recognize American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. The White House said President Obama is recognizing Americans this year whose work has had a significant impact on their communities but may not have garnered national attention.

To read more about the Alderman's and their mission, published on the ten-year-anniversary of 9/11.

The Aldermans were selected from over 6,000 nominations nationwide. Only 12 other individuals will be honored at the afternoon luncheon planned for Wednesday.

"Blown away," was how Liz Alderman described the feeling when she found out about the award and the private luncheon with the President of the United States. They won't bask in the limelight of the award, however. Stephen Alderman flies to Tanzania the next morning and Liz will return to her office. 

"The work goes on," she said.