The White House staff checked everyone's identities once again and explained the award ceremony process…
The ceremony was held in the hall on the west side of the White House, with white walls and yellow curtains, and in the center hung a portrait of Washington.
The staff had already arranged the podium and tested the microphone; attendees gradually entered the venue and took their seats below the stage.
Robert, Linda, Li Zhaonian, Val, and the chubby kid were among them, quietly conversing with those around them.
At 9:25 AM, reporters also entered, and major news networks set up their live broadcast equipnt.
At 9:30 AM, a white-haired old man with fluffy golden hair entered, surrounded by staff as he ascended to the stage.
He was the current Great Commander of the White House, the Knowing King.
The Knowing King approached the podium, standing beside the microphone with a slight smile, first looking at the audience on the left, then at those on the right, "Ladies and gentlen, welco.
Today is a special day, as we welco so heroes here. They are the cornerstone of this country, having made significant contributions to the nation's safety and stability.
In the past year, many things have happened. This country has undergone significant changes, becoming safer, wealthier, and more democratic than before. But there have also been so unfortunate incidents, like the Las Vegas shooting, the Arizona arson, the Texas shooting, the Ohio campus attack…"
The Knowing King sighed, "I offer my deep condolences to the victims of these events. anwhile, behind these events, so heroes have erged, protecting the country and its citizens in various ways and actions.
Now, let us invite these heroes to the stage."
The Knowing King turned to look at the aisle behind the podium.
Then, led by Luke, the awardees walked onto the platform.
The Knowing King led the applause.
A round of applause also erupted from the audience.
Luke and his group stood in two rows; one row consisted of public safety officials, led by Luke, who were recipients of the dal of Valor.
The other row included civilians who had shown bravery during the incidents.
The Knowing King delivered a few words of praise, and then began the awarding ceremony.
He first approached Luke.
Although all were recipients of the Public Safety Officer's dal of Valor, Luke ranked first based on the impact of the case and his personal rit.
With his tall stature, the Knowing King stood a few centiters taller than Luke, and pointing at him, he said, "Hey, fine young man, I know you.
Luke from the Los Angeles Police Departnt, I like Los Angeles. It's a city with an artistic atmosphere.
I've t your chief, Frank, at a few gatherings—he's quite stylish, always likes to keep a straight face, but he looks reliable.
I have a good impression of him, though he didn't pay much attention to ."
Luke responded with a smile, "That's indeed Frank's style, but I don't think he was singling you out; that's just how he is with everyone."
The Knowing King laughed, "You are right. When you get back to Los Angeles, say hello to him for ."
"I will."
The Knowing King took the dal from beside him, went behind Luke, and pinned the dal on him.
It was a beautiful dal, a golden gilded blue enal inverted pentagram surrounded by a laurel wreath. The central disk on the front bore the national seal, while the back was inscribed with Luke's na.
This dal was one of the few Arican awards to feature a neck ribbon; most others were lapel pins.
No matter which Great Commander bestowed it, the honors and benefits of this national accolade would accompany these officers for life.
"That dal suits you well," said the Knowing King, extending his hand.
"Thanks, sir, it's great to et you," Luke shook his hand.
After the Knowing King had finished presenting dals to the public safety officials, he began bestowing certificates to civilians.
However, civilians only received comndation certificates, not dals.
The award presentation concluded, the Knowing King said a few more ceremonial words, and then left the podium; the entire award ceremony lasted less than an hour.
However, for people like Luke, its significance was different.
From today onward, those on the stage could be called 'heroes' wherever they went, a title officially conferred by the nation.
This title brought imnse honor and potential benefits for police officers and firefighters.
Luke reunited with his family, embracing each other.
The chubby kid reached for the dal, only to be slapped on the back of his hand by Linda, "Don't touch."
The chubby kid retracted his hand, displaying a look of grievance.
Linda herself held the dal, "Wow, this dal is really beautiful! We must hang it on the living room wall once we're ho."
"Mom, didn't you say I couldn't touch it? Why can you?"
"Because I'm your mom."
"That's not fair."
"Shut up, or you'll have no allowance for the next two months."
The chubby kid "…"
After the ceremony, led by the staff, Luke and his family toured the open areas of the White House.
It took half an hour to complete the tour before leaving. At the White House gate, Robert suggested a family photo to put a perfect end to the award ceremony...
The chubby kid was restless, shouting to go to the Natural History Museum.
Luke's attention, however, was drawn to a group of people approaching from a distance.
Several FBI agents approached the White House gate, their gazes scanning the surroundings—Luke was all too familiar with that feeling, like searching for suspicious individuals among the crowd.
Luke made a quick decision, "Let's go, to the Natural History Museum."
"Yeah, Big Bro is the best!" the chubby kid cheered, trying to jump for joy, but whether from being overweight or not, his tiptoes did not leave the ground.
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