Source: Alex Wong / Getty
NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY
National Medal of Honor Day on March 25th recognizes all Medal of Honor recipients.
On March 25, 1863, Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton presented the first Medals of Honor (Army) to six members of “Andrews Raiders” for their volunteering and participation during an American Civil War raid in April of 1862.
Created in 1861, the Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s highest military honor. It is awarded only to US military personnel by the President of the United States in the name of Congress for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
There are three versions of the Medal of Honor; one for the Army, one for the Navy and one for the Air Force, with personnel of the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard receiving the Navy version.
Since its creation, there have been 3,468 Medals of Honor awarded to the country’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coastguardsmen.
HOW TO OBSERVE #MedalOfHonorDay
Some federal, state, local, and military organizations may hold events recognizing Medal of Honor recipients. These events may be public or private. Other ways to participate include:
- Volunteering for your local veteran organization
- Donate to a veteran service organization
- Adopt a Medal of Honor gravesite
- Fly the U.S. flag at your home or business
- Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Visit local memorial sites
Use #MedalOfHonorDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY HISTORY
In 1990, the United States Congress designated March 25th of each year as National Medal of Honor Day.
source: National Day Calendar
