Rather than focus on the darkness, President Joe Biden marked the second anniversary of the horrific Capitol insurrection by hosting a ceremony at the White House to honor individuals who have made exemplary contributions to our democracy.
![washington, dc january 06 pro trump supporters storm the us capitol following a rally with president donald trump on january 6, 2021 in washington, dc trump supporters gathered in the nations capital today to protest the ratification of president elect joe bidens electoral college victory over president trump in the 2020 election photo by samuel corumgetty images](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-1673033660.jpg?resize=980:* "Trump Supporters Hold "Stop The Steal" Rally In DC Amid Ratification Of Presidential Election")
On January 6, 2021, crowds of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol—many with Viking gear, QAnon paraphernalia, and weapons—breeching security and entering the building as Congress debated to officially certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Their violent actions came after then president Donald Trump spread false information that Biden had stolen the election from him. At least five people died in the riot.
Today at the White House, Biden delivered remarks while remembering the day. Two years ago, he said, "our democracy was attacked," and "all of it was fueled by lies about the 2020 election."
More From Harper's BAZAAR
The president then awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to 12 heroes who demonstrated courage and selflessness at the moment the country's democracy was attacked. They include a Capitol Police sergeant, four Capitol Police officers (including Brian Sicknick, who died the day after he protected elected officials during the attack), two Metropolitan Police officers, plus election workers and officials at the state and local level.
The honorees "embody the best before, during, and after January the 6, 2021," Biden said.
"History will remember your names," he told them. "They'll remember your courage. They'll remember your bravery. They'll remember your extraordinary commitments to your fellow Americans."
The award is given to individuals who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens," per the White House. It is one of the nation's highest civilian honors. Today marks the first time Biden has awarded the Citizens Medal.
Rosa Sanchez is the senior news editor at Harper's Bazaar, working on news as it relates to entertainment, fashion, and culture. Previously, she was a news editor at ABC News and, prior to that, a managing editor of celebrity news at American Media. She has also written features for Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, Forbes, and The Hollywood Reporter, among other outlets.
![trans lives matter banner during we wont be erased lgbtq protest near us embassy in warsaw on october 30, 2018 photo by maciej luczniewskinurphoto via getty images](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-1675780954.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.167xw,0&resize=360:* ""We won't be erased" protest in Warsaw")