When is National Medal of Honor Day?
March 25th is National Medal of Honor Day.
What is National Medal of Honor Day?
Boldness takes many forms, and it inspires us all. But we reserve our highest praise for the most extraordinary cases. In the celebration of our nation’s finest exemplars of courage in the face of danger, we honor Medal of Honor recipients on National Medal of Honor Day.
The president awards the Medal of Honor. It only goes to members of the U.S. military who demonstrate “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity” beyond their responsibilities and despite the risk to their own lives. The first awards were given in 1863 during the American Civil War, and more than 3,400 servicemen have received it since then.
These are our nation’s bravest soldiers. National Medal of Honor Day honors their heroism and encourages us to remember their valor.
Fun facts about National Medal of Honor Day!
- The official title is the Medal of Honor, not the popularized version, “Congressional Medal of Honor.”
- Our presidents have awarded the Medal of Honor to more than 3,400 servicemen.
- Mary Edwards Walker, a volunteer surgeon in the Union Army during the Civil War, is the only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor.
- Nineteen people have received two Medals of Honor.
How to celebrate National Medal of Honor Day:
Research Medal of Honor recipients, and read their stories. Take time with your friends or family to admire and discuss their bravery.
What’s the hashtag for National Medal of Honor Day?
Use #MedalOfHonorDay on social media to honor these heroic soldiers.