On March 25, National Medal of commemorate Day, we commemorate the valor of the most valiant servicemen and servicewomen in the United States military. This distinction is awarded by the President of the United States to military personnel who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. There are essentially three versions of the Medal of Honor, one each for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with Coast Guard and Marines eligible to earn the Navy version.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY
Military personnel who go above and beyond the call of duty are deserving of every award possible. In the end, it was these courageous individuals who secured and continue to protect the unique liberties we enjoy in this country, something we often take for granted. Today, we will examine the history of the award in order to better recognize its recipients.
In spite of the fact that the first request for a medal of valor was submitted in 1861, at the onset of the American Civil War, the general-in-chief denied the proposal because a medal of valor sounded too European. After his retirement in late 1861, the General of the Navy adapted the concept for his branch, and the Navy ordered nearly 200 medals from the US Mint in Philadelphia shortly thereafter.
Lincoln sanctioned the US Navy Medal of Valor in December 1861, and less than a year later, the US Army Medal of Honor was approved. In 1863, during the American Civil War, the first Medal of Honor was awarded. These six men became the first recipients of the award after a Union assault party recently destroyed Confederate railways and vital transportation in Tennessee and Georgia.
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HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL MERIT MEDAL DAY
Inform regarding military duty
There is an abundance of books, documentaries, articles, films, and other media that provide additional background on the history of the Medal of Honor and other military awards. Devote some time to education in order to appreciate the bravery of those who came before us and to learn more about the nation we all call home.
Remember American heroes
It is always appreciated when someone takes the time to reach out to a veteran or servicemember, volunteer or donate to an organization that supports those in the military, or write to a surviving Medal of Honor recipient. Even if years have passed since someone’s service, they still deserve praise for their sacrifice.
Fly your ensign
The recipients of the Medal of Honor went above and beyond to secure our nation and the freedom we all enjoy. Today is an excellent day to feel exceptionally patriotic, so fly the flag high!
FIVE IMPORTANT FACTS CONCERNING THE MEDAL OF HONOR
It is not attached.
The Medal of Honor is the only military award that is worn around the neck rather than fastened on.
Initially, it appeared too European.
In 1861, when the first rumblings of creating an award similar to the Medal of Honor were documented, a respected Union Army commander dismissed the notion as being too European.
Theodore Roosevelt is a club member.
In this circumstance, the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously to Theodore Roosevelt for commanding the Rough Riders volunteer regiment. He is the sole president to receive this honor.
Everyone is welcome
13-year-old Willie Johnston was the youngest Medal of Honor recipient in 1863. At the age of 11, he displayed valor while serving as a drummer boy in his father’s platoon.
Not the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Despite some confusion, the award is merely known as the Medal of Honor and not the Congressional Medal of Honor.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT ABOUT NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY
It commemorates significant figures
Regardless of the number of years that have passed since the recipient went above and beyond for our country, his or her actions remain incredibly courageous and commendable. The Medal of Honor is one of the most significant means by which the United States expresses daily gratitude for the sacrifice of its citizens.
It motivates
The recipients of the Medal of Honor are admired by military personnel and civilians equally, and with good reason. When life requires us to be courageous, it is helpful to draw inspiration from the bravery of previous recipients of this award.
It sheds light on the armed forces.
Choosing to serve in the military can be arduous and hazardous, so those who do so deserve all the praise possible. Awards such as the Medal of Honor highlight the fact that the individuals who defend our liberties are among the fiercest on earth.
NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 25 | Saturday |
| 2024 | March 25 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 25 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 25 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 25 | Thursday |
