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. 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 Continental United States, primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., ...

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 World War II by country, vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great power ...

. 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 Bicameralism, bicameral, composed of a lower body, the United States House of Representatives, House of Representatives, and an upper body, ...

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