National Medal Of Honor Day
What Are You Doing This National Medal of Honor Day?
National Medal of Honor Day is officially observed on March 25. The Medal of Honor is the highest distinction that can be awarded by the President, in the name of the Congress, to members of the Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty.
National Medal of Honor Day is not widely observed; however, many communities recognize their local Medal of Honor recipients. Some educators include the history of the Medal of Honor in their Social Studies classes on this day.
Start a new tradition in your community or school. The exploits of our many Medal of Honor recipients remain inspiring. Who hasn’t heard the stories of Sergeant York, Audie Murphy, Desmond Doss; or our most recent recipients Salvatore A. Giunta, Staff Sgt. Robert Miller, and Chief Master Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger.
Contact your local veteran's organization for events in your area or start your own tradition.
GET INVOLVED!
History of National Medal of Honor Day
Medal of Honor Day was established by Public Law 101-564 to both honor the recipients of the Medal of Honor and to raise public awareness of the importance of the Medal of Honor. Public Law 101-564 started as House Joint Resolution 652 during the One Hundred First Congress of the United States of America. The bill was sponsored by Representative Rod Chandler of Washington with 151 cosponsors and introduced in the House of Representative on September 24, 1990. House Joint Resolution 652 became Public Law 101-564 on November 15, 1990.
Since the first medals were presented on March 25, 1863 to six of the surviving members of Andrew's Raiders by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, only 3,437 other individuals have been awarded America's highest decoration for military valor.
Text of H.J.Res.652
"One Hundred First Congress of the United States of America AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the twenty-third day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety.
An Act To designate March 25, 1991, as `National Medal of Honor Day'.
Whereas the Medal of Honor is the highest distinction that can be awarded by the President, in the name of the Congress, to members of the Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty;
Whereas only a few of the millions of men and women who have served the Nation in war, military operations, or other armed conflicts have received the Medal of Honor;
Whereas the 1st Medal of Honor awards were presented to 6 men on March 25, 1863, by the Secretary of War;
Whereas it is appropriate to honor the heroic recipients of the Medal of Honor;
Whereas public awareness of the importance of the Medal of Honor has declined in recent years; and
Whereas the designation of National Medal of Honor Day will focus the efforts of national, State, and local organizations striving to foster public appreciation and recognition of Medal of Honor recipients: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,That March 25, 1991, is designated as `National Medal of Honor Day', and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. "