The "Cajun Navy" has worked tirelessly over the last few years to help tens of thousands of people who have been pummeled by some of the worst storms in American history. This volunteer group of private boat owners have put their lives on the line to help people in need during natural disasters.

They helped rescue survivors in Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. They worked directly with politicians to rescue victims of Hurricane Irma in Florida.

And just this month they traveled to North Carolina to be on the frontlines during Hurricane Florence, rescuing countless people as flood waters and torrential storm conditions hit communities in the Carolinas hard.

Last year President Trump called out the work of the "Cajun Navy" during his State of the Union address. Now it's time to go one step further, and honor this volunteer group of heroes with one of the highest civilian honors in the country -- the Congressional Gold Medal. Sign this petition to support honoring the "Cajun Navy" with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Previous recipients of this honor include the Native American Code Talkers, the Tuskegee Airmen, Billy Graham, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots, among dozens of other men, women and groups who have made a direct impact on American history. What better way to honor a group that has literally saved thousands of American citizens in times of need than by giving them one of the nation's highest civilian honors?

Let's ask Congress to hold up the work the "Cajun Navy" has done during these last few years and continues to do each and every year during natural disasters. Their work can be life-saving, and Congress has a unique moment to thank these folks for volunteering to save their neighbors from floods, hurricanes, tropical storms and more.