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Honor and recognize the brave men and women who have served our country on National Medal of Honor Day, March 25. This special day was created in 1990 to recognize those individuals who have been awarded the highest military honor for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." Since its inception, this national holiday has become a time for people across America to come together to pay tribute to these heroes.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1861</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Medal of Honor's Birth</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Medal of Honor was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on December 21, allowing the Navy to award this highest military distinction.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1862</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Medal Introduced to Army</div><div class='timeline-text'>The medal was introduced to the Army in July 1862, making it available for brave soldiers on land just as with their seafaring counterparts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Medal Awards</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Medal of Honor was awarded to Jacob Parrott on March 25 for his heroics during the Civil War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Air Force Medal Created</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Air Force variant of the Medal of Honor was introduced, recognizing exceptional acts of valor by air servicemen.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Medal of Honor Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congress designates March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day, a recognition for Medal of Honor recipients.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009-Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ongoing Recognitions</div><div class='timeline-text'>The US continues to honor extraordinary military personnel with the Medal of Honor for their bravery and heroics in various military operations.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Honor the Medal of Honor recipients by attending a recognition ceremony honoring their accomplishments. You can find information about events in your area at your local Veterans Affairs office.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read up on the Medal of Honor</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time reading up on the Medal of Honor and its recipients. Visit your local library or bookstore to find books, articles, and other resources that will provide an interesting insight into this prestigious award.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to watch a documentary about the Medal of Honor, its recipients, and their heroic stories. The History Channel, Netflix, and other streaming services are full of great documentaries that will give you an inside look at the honor.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Lend a hand to those who have earned the Medal of Honor by volunteering with organizations like the Congressional Medal of Honor Society or other veteran's organizations in your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a letter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your appreciation for those who have received the Medal of Honor by writing them a letter. You can write to any recipient and let them know how much you respect them for their service and heroism.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors extraordinary bravery</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Medal of Honor is awarded to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. It serves as a reminder of the immense valor and bravery of those who put service before self, and pays tribute to their courage and dedication.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes patriotism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Medal of Honor Day allows us to reflect on the incredible sacrifices of our military heroes and celebrate the values that make America great. This important day encourages citizens to be proud of their country and take pride in its heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It reminds us to be thankful</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In this age of technology and instant gratification, it is important for us to remember those who have made tremendous sacrifices so that we can enjoy life's comforts. National Medal of Honor Day reminds us to be thankful for all that these brave men and women have done for our country.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The youngest ever recipient was just 11 years old</h3><p class='facts-content'>Musician Willie Johnston became the youngest Medal of Honor recipient in 1862, earning the award during the Civil War for showing courage by not discarding his drum like other soldiers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Only one female soldier has been awarded the Medal of Honor</h3><p class='facts-content'>Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War surgeon, is the only woman to have ever received the Medal of Honor, she was given the award in 1865 for her undaunted courage in time of war.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Some Medals of Honor were revoked in 1917</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1917, a review of past awards led to around 900 Medals of Honor being revoked - most of these had been given for service or merit rather than heroism in battle.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Two father-son pairs have received the Medal of Honor</h3><p class='facts-content'>Arthur and Douglas MacArthur, and Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and Jr., are the only father-son pairs who have both been awarded the Medal of Honor.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are three versions of the Medal of Honor</h3><p class='facts-content'>There are three different versions of the Medal of Honor, one for each branch of the military: Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Navy's version is also given to Marine Corps and Coast Guard members.</p></div></div>
National Medal of Honor Day is celebrated on March 25 every year. In 2024 National Medal of Honor Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Mar 25
Saturday
2024
Mar 25
Monday
2025
Mar 25
Tuesday
2026
Mar 25
Wednesday
2027
Mar 25
Thursday
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