National Medal of Honor Day – March 25th 2014
National Medal of Honor Day
is officially observed on March 25th. 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.
“This holiday should be one of our most revered. Unfortunately all too many Americans are not even aware of its existence.” Home of Heroes
The date of March 25th was chosen because the first Medals of Honor were
awarded to members of Andrew’s Raiders on March 25, 1863, for their
actions during the “Great Locomotive Chase.”
Col. Robert Howard (USA Ret.) president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society on National Medal of Honor Day states:
“Hard times ask us to put a greater good before our own
interests. It is sometimes physically or emotionally painful. Yet
throughout history, you will find common men and women who fought
selflessly in a variety of ways for something so much larger than just
their own benefit.Today, we’re fighting terrorism and the spread of tyranny. We’re
challenged by market upheaval, joblessness and perhaps hunger. But the
human spirit is resilient and can withstand more than sometimes we are
able to immediately comprehend.It’s up to each of us to not lay and wait for better days, but instead
look for opportunities to make the lives of those around us better. National Medal of Honor Day
is not a celebration. It is a solemn time to reflect on the freedom we
enjoy, its price, and how our own bravery can improve the world around
us.”
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.
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. “
Read More about National Medal of Honor Day 2014:
National Medal of Honor Day 2014: Lessons and Resources for Teachers
MOH Harold A. Fritz, will speak with students and teachers in honor of National Medal of Honor Day
Medal of Honor Recipients Announce Three Citizen Honors Awardees
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