National Medal of Honor Day – a day set aside to honor all the recipients of the Medal of Honor (MoH).
National Medal of Honor Day
On March 25, 1863, when the first Medals of Honor were presented. Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton presented 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.
This day is held annually on March 25 because in 1863, as mentioned, was when the first Medal of Honor was awarded.
Three Versions
One for each of these branches
- Army
- Navy*
- Air Force
*Members of the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard receiving the Navy version.
Over 3,400 Medals of Honor has been awarded.
Text Of The Metal of Honor Resolution
The version of the measure introduced by Henry Wilson and signed into law by President Lincoln includes the following:
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, authorized to cause two thousand “medals of honor” to be prepared with suitable emblematic devices, and to direct that the same be presented, in the name of the Congress, to such non-commissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities, during the present insurrection (Civil War).
Special thanks to the many men and women who have, who are and who will serve to protect our great country of the United States of America.
First published March 25, 2019. Last updated or republished March 23, 2020.
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