The Executive Power officialized the creation of the "Citizen's Valor" award through decree 64/2025. The first delivery of this medal was posthumously awarded to Luca Nicolás Aguilar, a young delivery driver from Moreno, Buenos Aires, who lost his life while heroically intervening during a robbery attempt on January 30.
According to decree 65/2025, which formalized the award of the medal to Aguilar, he received seven stab wounds while trying to protect a street vendor, Leonardo, who was being attacked by Luis Benjamín Benítez in an act of robbery. It is speculated that the assailant was hired to kill Lucas, who had previously criticized the insecurity in the Moreno area.
President Javier Milei had announced the creation of this distinction on social media, describing Aguilar as "a hero who ascended to heaven." In case a person is recognized more than once, they will be awarded an additional bar to be placed on the original medal.
To ensure transparency and record-keeping of these recognitions, a Citizen's Valor Award Registry will be created, managed by the General Secretariat of the Presidency led by Karina Milei. This initiative aims to honor those citizens whose individual actions contribute to social change and defend values such as freedom and justice.
In the considerations of the decree, the importance of conveying to new generations the example of citizens who, through their actions, promote the defense of fundamental values like freedom and respect for institutions is highlighted. The Government emphasizes that the awards represent society's recognition of those who defend the rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Despite the vendor managing to survive thanks to Aguilar's intervention, he unfortunately passed away due to the serious wounds he suffered. The decree underscores that Aguilar's sacrifice was a brave act of defense of another person's fundamental rights, highlighting his bravery and commitment to constitutional values.
The "Citizen's Valor" award will be presented directly by the President of the Nation, seeking to honor those citizens who stand out for their meritorious actions for the benefit of society, as an institutionalized act of recognition for bravery and altruism in the community.
