National Medal of Honor Day

 

This coming week, on March 25^th, we will celebrate National Medal of Honor Day. It honors members of our US military who, according to the Department of Defense, “distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”. It is our nation’s highest military award for valor. It was started in 1863 to honor 6 Members of Andrew’s Raiders for their participation in what is called The Great Locomotive Chase during the civil war.

Although I do not know anyone personally who has received this medal, my heart is still stirred when I read the various account of bravery for each recipient. There are awardees from virtually every war and conflict since 1863. It is important that we don’t forget their sacrifice to keep our country and the world free.

At present, there are over 3500 recipients, some of which have received the medal posthumously. There are sixty-one members still living. According to the National Park Service, there has only been one woman receive the award, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. She was the first female Us Army surgeon. She spent four months in a Confederate prison when she was captured and charged with spying.

Here are some ways to celebrate National Medal of Honor Day.

• ·       Fly the U.S. Flag: Display the flag with pride at your home or business.
• ·       Visit Memorial Sites: Pay a visit to local memorial sites or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
• ·       Support Veteran Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with veteran service organizations.
• ·       Learn About Medal of Honor Recipients: Research the stories of Medal of Honor recipients and share their bravery with others.
• ·       Attend Events: Some federal, state, local, and military organizations may hold events recognizing Medal of Honor recipients.
• ·       Use Social Media: Share information about National Medal of Honor Day on social media using the hashtag #MedalOfHonorDay.
• ·       Adopt a Medal of Honor Gravesite
• ·       Attend a "retreat" ceremony honoring the fallen with "Taps" and the lowering of the flag
• ·       Attend ceremonies honoring living MoH recipients

You can read about the many brave recipients of this medal on the Congressional Medal of Honor Society web pages found here. 

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/overview

https://homeofheroes.com/medal-of-honor/medal-of-honor-recipients/

Sources:

https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/honors-for-valor

https://www.cmohs.org/news-events/blog/what-is-medal-of-honor-day-and-why-does-it-matter