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THE WHITE HOUSE

                     Office of the Press Secretary
                         (New York, New York)

For Immediate Release December 10, 1997

The President has awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Elinor Guggenheimer. This morning, the First Lady presented the Medal in New York City on behalf of the President.

The Presidential Citizens Medal was established for the purpose of recognizing citizens of the United States who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.

The text of the citation reads as follows:

ELINOR GUGGENHEIMER

For the past 50 years, Elinor Guggenheimer has been a tenacious and effective champion on behalf of America's children. She began her crusade by persuading New York City to assume funding of Federal day care centers following World War II. Later, as founding President of the Child Care Action Campaign, she helped to elevate day care to a national concern. Throughout a lifetime of service, she has expanded the focus of her advocacy and generously lent her talents to issues that confront seniors, women, and consumers. Elly Guggenheimer's indomitable spirit and extraordinary efforts to improve the lives of her fellow citizens have helped to illuminate our common path to a better America.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON

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