The President’s Day

President Barack Obama speaks at the Global Health Security Agenda Summit in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. The president said that in an interconnected world, outbreaks of deadly viruses like Ebola have the potential to affect every nation.

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Economic growth in the second quarter was even stronger than originally estimated: http://t.co/04yQG5W2Su

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 26, 2014

#ObamasFault #ThanksObama RT @AP: BREAKING: Economy grew at 4.6 percent rate in April-June quarter, strongest pace since late 2011.

— Nerdy Wonka (@NerdyWonka) September 26, 2014

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Text of the President’s remarks here

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President Barack Obama shakes hands with Ebola survivor Dr. Melvin Korkor of Liberia at the Global Health Security Agenda Summit at the White House

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In 1 yr #ACA has reduced # of uninsured adults by 26%. 50 DAYS – the countdown to start of 2014/2015 Open Enrollment begins! #GetCovered

— Sylvia Burwell (@SecBurwell) September 26, 2014

Uninsured rate among #Latinos plummets from 36% to 23% in just 1st year of #ACA. http://t.co/7KYCk9A4R8 Even w/o FL, TX Medicaid expansion.

— Simon Rosenberg (@SimonWDC) September 25, 2014

1/In 1st year of #ACA, 1/3rd of Hispanic adults w/o health insurance gain coverage. One third. In one year.

— Simon Rosenberg (@SimonWDC) September 26, 2014

2/The scale of this success is extraordinary. Perhaps most important legislation for Hispanic Americans in US history.

— Simon Rosenberg (@SimonWDC) September 26, 2014

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WH.gov

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The President has a plan to fight climate change—you should support it: http://t.co/AWLXVGm0y8 #ActOnClimate

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 26, 2014

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On This Day: After the first of three presidential debates at the University of Mississippi, 2008

On This Day: President Obama & the First Lady Michelle at the Congressional Black Caucus Awards Dinner, 2009.

A Long Time Coming

President Obama applauds, from left, Staff Sgt. Melvin Morris, Sgt. 1st Class Jose Rodela, and Spc. Santiago J. Erevia after he awarded them with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, March 18

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24 heroes, 21 deceased, denied recognition by their nation because of racism. Today, Pres. Obama righted the wrong. pic.twitter.com/oZVmH22zHk

— TheObamaDiary.com (@TheObamaDiary) March 18, 2014

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More on the recipients here

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President Obama stands with U.S. Army Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Melvin Morris as his family looks on in the Oval office before a ceremony presenting him with the Medal of Honor

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President Obama greets U.S. Army Specialist Four (Ret.) Santiago J. Erevia in the Oval office

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Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Staff Sgt Melvin Morris listens as President Obama details his heroism at WH today pic.twitter.com/4upZrA40Lt

— TheObamaDiary.com (@TheObamaDiary) March 18, 2014

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President Obama hugs Laurie Wegner who accepted the Medal of Honor on behalf of her uncle, Private First Class Leonard M. Kravitz

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President Obama presents Nancy Weinstein with a Medal of Honor for her late husband Army Sergeant Jack Weinstein

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President Obama comforts Lenora Alvarado as he awards a Medal of Honor to her late father Army Specialist Four Leonard Alvarado

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President Obama presents Dominga Perez with a Medal of Honor for her late father Army Private Pedro Cano

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Melvin Morris is saluted by U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Schneider, from U.S. Army Old Guard, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, after a ceremony presenting Morris with the Medal of Honor in the White House

Medal of Honor: A Wrong Put Right

Staff Sergeant Melvin Morris

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On March 18th, 2014, President Barack Obama will award 24 Army veterans the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry.

These veterans will receive the Medal of Honor in recognition of their valor during major combat operations in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Each of these Soldiers’ bravery was previously recognized by award of the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest military award; that award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor in recognition of their gallantry, intrepidity and heroism above and beyond the call of duty.

In 2002, Congress, through the Defense Authorization Act, called for a review of Jewish American and Hispanic American veteran war records from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, to ensure those deserving the Medal of Honor were not denied because of prejudice. During the review, records of several Soldiers of neither Jewish nor Hispanic descent were also found to display criteria worthy of the Medal of Honor. The 2002 Act was amended to allow these Soldiers to be honored with the upgrade – in addition to the Jewish and Hispanic American Soldiers.

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Obama apologized to Melvin that racism stopped him from getting the medal 44 years ago. Melvin dropped to his knees. pic.twitter.com/EdlJit9kDM

— America Tonight (@AmericaTonight) March 18, 2014

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The President will award the Medal of Honor to:

Specialist Four Santiago J. Erevia: For his courageous actions while serving as radio telephone operator in Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) during search and clear mission near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam.

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Staff Sergeant Melvin Morris: For his courageous actions while serving as Commander of a Strike Force drawn from Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during combat operations against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Chi Lang, Republic of Vietnam on September 17, 1969.

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Sergeant First Class Jose Rodela: For his courageous actions while serving as the company commander, Detachment B-36, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam on September 1, 1969.

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The President will posthumously award the Medal of Honor to:

Sergeant Candelario Garcia: For his courageous actions while serving as an acting Team Leader for Company B, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Brigade,1st Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam on December 8, 1968.

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Specialist Four Leonard L. Alvarado: For his courageous actions while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam on August 12, 1969.

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Staff Sergeant Felix M. Conde-Falcon: For his courageous actions while serving as an acting Platoon Leader in Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Ap Tan Hoa, Republic of Vietnam on April 4, 1969.

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