National Medal of Honor Day In United States 2024

Explore the legacy of courage on National Medal of Honor Day in the United States. Uncover tales of selflessness and honor as we pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.

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QUICK FACTS

• Date: March 25 every year
• Main Components: Wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Citizen Honors Awards, and public events
• Popularity: A federal observance since 1991
• Pairings: History of the Medal of Honor, stories of the recipients, and values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism
• Variations: Different versions of the Medal of Honor for different branches of the military

Introduction

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the United States. It is given to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have shown extraordinary valor and heroism in combat. Since the Civil War, more than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded to brave men and women who have risked their lives for their country.

National Medal of Honor Day is a federal observance that is celebrated every year on March 25. It was created to honor the “heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.” On this day, we remember the stories of the recipients, learn about the history of the medal, and appreciate the values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that they embody.

In this article, we will explore the origins and significance of National Medal of Honor Day, the history and criteria of the Medal of Honor, the diversity and examples of the recipients, the Medal of Honor Society and its awards, and the National Medal of Honor Museum and its events.

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History of the Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor originated during the Civil War, when Congress authorized the creation of a medal to recognize the gallantry of the Navy and the Army. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bills into law in 1861 and 1862, respectively. The first Medals of Honor were awarded to six soldiers who participated in the Great Locomotive Chase, a daring raid behind enemy lines in Georgia, in 1862. The Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, personally presented the medals to the soldiers.

The criteria for the Medal of Honor have changed over time, but the basic requirement is that the recipient must have performed an act of valor above and beyond the call of duty, at the risk of his or her life, and against an enemy of the United States. The act must also have been witnessed by at least two other persons and verified by an official investigation.

The design of the Medal of Honor has also evolved over the years, but the main elements are a five-pointed star, a wreath, and an eagle. The star represents the original colonies, the wreath symbolizes achievement, and the eagle signifies the nation. The star is suspended from a ribbon that bears the colors of the flag. The medal also has a motto, “Valor,” inscribed on it.

The statistics of the Medal of Honor reveal some interesting facts. The most Medals of Honor awarded for a single action was 27, for the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. The most Medals of Honor awarded for a single war was 1,522, for World War II. The most Medals of Honor awarded to a single unit was 9, to Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a Japanese-American unit, for its actions in France in 1944. The most Medals of Honor awarded posthumously was 621, or 18% of the total.

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Medal of Honor Recipients

The recipients of the Medal of Honor reflect the diversity and strength of the United States. They come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders. They include African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native-Americans, and women. They also span different ranks, branches, and wars.

Some examples of the Medal of Honor recipients are:

• Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, for her service as a surgeon and a spy during the Civil War. She was awarded the medal in 1865, but it was revoked in 1917, along with 910 others, due to a change in the criteria. She refused to return the medal and wore it until her death in 1919. Her medal was restored in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.
• Theodore Roosevelt, the only president to receive the Medal of Honor, for his charge up San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War in 1898. He was nominated for the medal in 1898, but it was denied by the Army due to political reasons. He was awarded the medal posthumously in 2001 by President Bill Clinton.
• Peter C. Lemon, one of the few Canadian-born recipients of the Medal of Honor, for his actions in Vietnam in 1970. He was a 19-year-old sergeant when he fought off two waves of enemy attacks, despite being wounded by a grenade and a bayonet. He received the medal in 1971 from President Richard Nixon.
• Matthew O. Williams, one of the most recent recipients of the Medal of Honor, for his actions in Afghanistan in 2008. He was a staff sergeant in the Special Forces when he helped rescue four wounded comrades during a fierce firefight. He exposed himself to enemy fire, carried the wounded, and coordinated air support. He received the medal in 2019 from President Donald Trump.

The stories of the Medal of Honor recipients are inspiring and humbling. They show the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of the individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. They also show the legacy of the recipients, who are honored and remembered by their families, friends, and fellow citizens. Many of the recipients are buried in Arlington National Cemetery, where their graves are marked with a gold emblem. Their names are also engraved on the walls of the Pentagon and the Medal of Honor Memorial in Indianapolis. Their flags are flown at half-staff on the day of their death.

Medal of Honor Society and Awards

The Medal of Honor Society is the official organization of the living Medal of Honor recipients. It was chartered by Congress in 1958 and has its headquarters in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The mission of the society is to “perpetuate the legacy of the Medal of Honor and support the Recipients and their outreach efforts in communities and schools across the country.”

One of the ways that the society fulfills its mission is by presenting awards to civilians who have demonstrated the values of the Medal of Honor. These awards are:

• The Citizen Honors Awards, which recognize ordinary Americans who have performed extraordinary acts of courage or service in their communities. The awards are given in four categories: Single Act of Heroism, Service Act, Young Hero, and Community Service Hero. The recipients are selected by a panel of Medal of Honor recipients and honored at a ceremony on National Medal of Honor Day.
• The Medal of Valor, which recognizes public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. The award is given in partnership with the National Association of Police Organizations and the National Association of Firefighters. The recipients are selected by a committee of Medal of Honor recipients, public safety officers, and civic leaders, and honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
• The Above and Beyond Citizen Honors, which recognize Americans who have gone above and beyond in their service to others. The award is given in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation and the History Channel. The recipients are selected by a public vote and honored at a ceremony in Los Angeles.

The awards are a way for the Medal of Honor recipients to shine a spotlight on their fellow citizens and to celebrate their acts of courage, service, and citizenship. They are also a way to inspire others to follow their example and to live by the values of the Medal of Honor.

National Medal of Honor Day and Museum

National Medal of Honor Day is a federal observance that is celebrated every year on March 25. It was established by Congress in 1990 and first observed in 1991. The date was chosen to commemorate the first awarding of the Medal of Honor to the six soldiers of the Great Locomotive Chase in 1863.

The purpose of the day is to “foster public appreciation and recognition of Medal of Honor recipients.” On this day, various events and activities are held across the country to honor the recipients and to educate the public about the history and significance of the medal. Some of the events and activities are:

• A wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, where the Medal of Honor recipients lay a wreath in honor of their fallen comrades. The unknown soldiers buried in the tomb are also Medal of Honor recipients.
• A presentation of the Citizen Honors Awards at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., where the Medal of Honor recipients recognize and congratulate the civilian honorees for their acts of heroism and service.
• A public event at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., where the Medal of Honor recipients share their stories and answer questions from the audience. The event is also broadcast live on the History Channel and streamed online.
• A visit to the White House, where the Medal of Honor recipients meet with the President of the United States and receive his gratitude and admiration. The President may also present the Medal of Honor to a new recipient or upgrade a previous award.
• A visit to the Pentagon, where the Medal of Honor recipients are welcomed by the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and have their names engraved on the Hall of Heroes.

NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY IN UNITED STATES WISHES, QUOTES, AND MESSAGES

TOP 20 NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY IN UNITED STATES WISHES AND GREETINGS

Here are 20 unique National Medal of Honor Day wishes and greetings for United States:

1. On National Medal of Honor Day, we salute the brave souls who went above and beyond, displaying unparalleled courage. Your sacrifices will forever be etched in our hearts.
2. Wishing a day filled with gratitude and honor to those who have earned the prestigious Medal of Honor. Your bravery inspires us all.
3. Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we honor the heroes who fearlessly faced adversity to protect the values we hold dear.
4. Sending heartfelt wishes on National Medal of Honor Day. May the stories of heroism and valor continue to echo through generations.
5. To the Medal of Honor recipients, your acts of courage define the true spirit of patriotism. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!
6. On this special day, we extend our deepest appreciation to the extraordinary individuals who have earned the Medal of Honor. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.
7. Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we pay tribute to the selfless heroes who have exemplified the highest ideals of service to our great nation.
8. Warm wishes on National Medal of Honor Day! May the legacy of bravery and sacrifice continue to inspire us to stand tall in the face of adversity.
9. To the recipients of the Medal of Honor, your actions remind us that heroism knows no bounds. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!
10. On this day, we express our gratitude to the courageous men and women who have earned the Medal of Honor. Your sacrifices will forever be remembered.
11. Wishing a day filled with respect and honor to the heroes who have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Your courage is a beacon for us all.
12. Happy National Medal of Honor Day! May the stories of valor and sacrifice remind us of the strength that lies within the human spirit.
13. Sending warm wishes to the Medal of Honor recipients on this special day. Your bravery is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American people.
14. On National Medal of Honor Day, we express our deepest thanks to those who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery in the service of our country.
15. Wishing a day of recognition and appreciation to the heroes who have received the Medal of Honor. Your sacrifices make our nation proud.
16. Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we honor the heroes who faced adversity with unwavering courage and commitment.
17. To the Medal of Honor recipients, your actions have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history. Wishing you a day filled with the recognition you truly deserve.
18. On this special day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Medal of Honor recipients for their extraordinary acts of courage. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!
19. Wishing a day of reflection and appreciation to those who have earned the Medal of Honor. Your sacrifices have shaped the course of history.
20. Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we honor the heroes who have exemplified the highest ideals of service, bravery, and sacrifice.

TOP 20 NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY IN UNITED STATES QUOTES

Here are 20 unique National Medal of Honor Day quotes for United States:

1. “On National Medal of Honor Day, we recognize the brave souls who turned ordinary moments into extraordinary acts of valor, shaping the course of history.”
2. “In the tapestry of American history, the recipients of the Medal of Honor are the threads of courage that bind our nation together.”
3. “On this special day, we honor those who wear the Medal of Honor not as a symbol of personal achievement, but as a testament to the collective strength of our nation.”
4. “National Medal of Honor Day reminds us that heroism is not confined to pages of history; it lives in the hearts of those who selflessly serve.”
5. “In the face of adversity, Medal of Honor recipients stood firm, reminding us that the path to greatness is often paved with acts of extraordinary courage.”
6. “Today, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of our nation as reflected in the stories of Medal of Honor recipients—true American heroes.”
7. “The Medal of Honor is not just an award; it’s a beacon of courage, a reminder that ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary feats.”
8. “On National Medal of Honor Day, we bow our heads in gratitude to those who answered the call of duty with bravery beyond measure.”
9. “In the silence of their sacrifice, Medal of Honor recipients speak volumes about the strength of character and unwavering commitment to duty.”
10. “National Medal of Honor Day is a day to honor those who turned moments of crisis into a legacy of bravery, inspiring generations to come.”
11. “To the recipients of the Medal of Honor, your stories are etched in the annals of American heroism—a source of inspiration for us all.”
12. “In the footsteps of the Medal of Honor recipients, we find the path to greatness—a path paved with sacrifice, bravery, and an unwavering love for country.”
13. “On this day, we honor the stars among us—the Medal of Honor recipients—who shine brightly in the constellation of American courage.”
14. “National Medal of Honor Day is a tribute to those who, in the face of danger, demonstrated that the strength of a nation lies in the valor of its people.”
15. “To the recipients of the Medal of Honor, your actions echo through time, a timeless reminder that true heroism knows no boundaries.”
16. “On this day, we salute the guardians of our nation—those who have earned the Medal of Honor for acts of valor that transcend the ordinary.”
17. “In the stories of Medal of Honor recipients, we find not just moments of heroism, but a legacy of selfless service that defines the American spirit.”
18. “National Medal of Honor Day is a day to reflect on the silent courage of those who faced adversity with unwavering determination and grace.”
19. “To wear the Medal of Honor is to carry the weight of history and the hopes of a nation—A symbol of courage that transcends time.”
20. “On this auspicious day, we honor the brave souls who, in the crucible of conflict, forged a legacy of courage that will forever inspire generations to come.”

TOP 20 NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY IN UNITED STATES MESSAGES/SMS

Here are 20 unique National Medal of Honor Day messages for United States:

1. “Wishing a day of heartfelt gratitude and honor to the courageous souls who’ve earned the Medal of Honor. Your bravery echoes through the ages. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”
2. “On this special day, we salute the true heroes among us—those who have earned the Medal of Honor. Your sacrifices are a beacon of inspiration for us all. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”
3. “Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we remember and honor the extraordinary individuals whose acts of valor have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.”
4. “To the recipients of the Medal of Honor, your courage is a source of inspiration for us all. May this National Medal of Honor Day bring you the recognition you truly deserve.”
5. “On National Medal of Honor Day, we express our deepest gratitude to those who have selflessly served our nation. Your sacrifice and bravery will forever be etched in our hearts.”
6. “Wishing a day filled with pride and honor to the Medal of Honor recipients. Your acts of valor have shaped the destiny of our great nation. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”
7. “Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we honor the heroes who, with unwavering courage, defended our freedoms. Your sacrifices are the backbone of our nation’s strength.”
8. “On this day of remembrance, we pay tribute to the Medal of Honor recipients—the embodiment of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”
9. “Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we celebrate the exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond for the love of their country. Your bravery is our nation’s pride.”
10. “Sending heartfelt wishes on National Medal of Honor Day to the brave men and women who wear the Medal of Honor. Your sacrifices inspire us to strive for a better tomorrow.”
11. “Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we honor the selfless acts of those who have earned the highest military decoration. Your bravery is a beacon of hope for us all.”
12. “On this day of recognition, we extend our deepest thanks to the Medal of Honor recipients. Your acts of valor have forever changed the course of our nation’s history. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”
13. “Wishing a day of reflection and appreciation to the heroes who have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Your courage and sacrifice define the true spirit of patriotism. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”
14. “Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we stand in awe of the exceptional individuals who have earned this prestigious award. Your bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
15. “On this day, we honor the stars among us—the Medal of Honor recipients. Your acts of bravery shine bright in our nation’s history. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”
16. “Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we remember and express our gratitude to the brave souls who have earned this esteemed award. Your sacrifices are a testament to the strength of our nation.”
17. “Wishing a day of pride and recognition to the Medal of Honor recipients. Your unwavering commitment to duty and acts of valor have left an indelible mark on our nation. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”
18. “On this day of remembrance, we extend our deepest appreciation to those who have earned the Medal of Honor. Your courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us all. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”
19. “Happy National Medal of Honor Day! Today, we pay tribute to the heroes who have displayed acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. Your bravery makes our nation stronger.”
20. “Wishing a day filled with honor and recognition to the Medal of Honor recipients. Your sacrifices are the bedrock of our nation’s strength. Happy National Medal of Honor Day!”

Conclusion

As we continue to commemorate National Medal of Honor Day, it is essential to recognize the lasting impact of these heroes on the nation’s history. By honoring their sacrifices, we not only express gratitude but also inspire future generations to uphold the values of courage, commitment, and integrity that define the Medal of Honor. In doing so, we ensure that the legacy of these extraordinary individuals endures through time.