The Congressional Medal of Merit is the United States Congress' award for young Americans. This award is for ages 14 to 23. It is intended to honor individuals who have shown outstanding achievement in areas such as academics and service. The award is presented by a member of congress to the individual regardless of partisanship.

History

The Congressional Medal of Merit was established in 1942 by President

Franklin D. Roosevelt Franklin Delano Roosevelt (; ; January 30, 1882April 12, 1945), often referred to by his initials FDR, was an American politician and attorney who served as the 32nd president of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. As the ...

. It was first created to honor citizens of the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

for their services during

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

. In present times a member of the

United States Congress The United States Congress is the legislature of the federal government of the United States. It is bicameral, composed of a lower body, the House of Representatives, and an upper body, the Senate. It meets in the U.S. Capitol in Washing ...

may award the Congressional Medal of Merit to their constituents as a way to honor citizens for their contributions, leadership, and achievements.

References

{{reflist Civil awards and decorations of the United States