2025 Democracy Service Medal

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2025 Democracy Service Medal

2025 Democracy Service Medal
On July 22, the National Endowment for Democracy awarded the Democracy Service Medal to Oswaldo Payá in recognition of his life’s work and sacrifice advocating for democracy in Cuba.
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Oswaldo Payá
Oswaldo Payá’s posthumous recognition affirms the enduring spirit of those who lead from the front lines and reminds us that extraordinary courage can spark lasting movements for freedom and democracy.
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Event Recap: NED 2025 Democracy Service Medal Awarded to Oswaldo Payá
Members of Congress, NED’s Board, and Payá's family gathered to pay tribute to his legacy at the Democracy Service Medal ceremony on July 22, 2025 in the Cannon House Office Building.
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2025 Democracy Service Medal Honoree

Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas

About the Democracy Service Medal

Awarded by the National Endowment for Democracy’s Board of Directors, the Democracy Service Medal honors individuals whose personal courage has advanced freedom, human rights, and democratic governance around the world.

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