Washington - As expected, President Obama signed legislation today awarding World War II hero Raoul Wallenberg with a Congressional Gold Medal for his heroic acts during the Holocaust. Both houses of Congress voted unanimously to present the posthumous award to Wallenberg.
 
“As we celebrate Raoul Wallenberg’s upcoming centennial on August 4, we must internalize the lessons of his heroic actions,” Matt Lehric, a White House spokesperson, told VIN News. “The President was proud to sign this bill as a commemoration of his selfless dedication and a reminder of how his inspiring commitment to humanity endures.”
 
Today’s signing is just part a national campaign by the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Commission highlighting Wallenberg’s heroism, which also includes the naming of public streets and other venues for Wallenberg in honor of the 100th anniversary of Wallenberg’s birthday which will take place next week. “The President signing this legislation is an important symbol for the world to see how important the legacy of Wallenberg is to the United States” said Peter Rebenwurzel, chairman of the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Commission.
 
 “The goal of our efforts to commemorate Wallenberg’s heroism with a Congressional Gold Medal is to remind the world that Wallenberg’s mission is an everlasting reminder to always be on the right side of history and to be vigilant so that the world never allow for another holocaust to take place,” added Ezra Friedlander, who spearheaded the lobbying efforts in the Congress to award Wallenberg with a Congressional Gold Medal.