March 25 - National Medal of Honor Day

Happy National Medal of Honor Day! On March 25th, this day recognizes any and all Medal of Honor recipients. 

Created in 1861, the Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s highest military honor. 

The accolade is awarded only to U.S. military personnel by the President of the United States in the name of the U.S. Congress for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. 

On March 25, 1863, American lawyer, politician and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton presented the first Medals of Honor (U.S. Army) to six members of  “Andrews Raiders” for their volunteering and participation during an American Civil War raid in April 1862. 

There are three versions of the Medal of Honor; one for the U.S. Army, one for the U.S. Navy and one for the U.S. Air Force, with personnel of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard receiving the U.S. Navy version. 

Since its creation, there have been 3,468 Medals of Honor awarded to the country’s U.S. Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen and coastguardsmen. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Some federal, state, local, and military organizations may hold events recognizing Medal of Honor recipients. These events may be public or private. Other ways to participate include: 

• 
  
  • Volunteering for your local veteran organization 
• • Donate to a veteran service organization 
• • Adopt a Medal of Honor gravesite 
• • Fly the American flag at your home or business 
• • Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 
• • Visit local memorial sites 

Use #MedalOfHonorDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

In 1990, the U.S. Congress have designated March 25th of each year as National Medal of Honor Day. 

#MedalOfHonorDay 

@USArmy 

@USMC 

@USNavy 

@usairforce 

@USCG 

@congressdotgov 

@nichecinema