National Medal of Honor Day

Medal of Honors for the three military branches honored

March the 25th is National Medal of Honor Day. This medal is usually awarded by the President of the United States in the name of Congress at a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C. It's sometimes also informally called the Congressional Medal of Honor, and it is the country's highest military award for acts of valor.

There are three versions of the Medal of Honor - one for each of the Navy and Coast Guard, Army, and Marines. The designs have changed through the years. Since its beginning in 1861, there have been over 3,500 given to military heroes, and not quite half of these came from the Civil War. In fact, William Johnston is thought to be the youngest to ever receive the award. He was 13 but had been 11 when he earned it as a drummer boy. Mary Edwards Walker also received hers for Civil War bravery.

In 1990. Congress designated March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day to remember the medal, what it stands for, and the recipients. The medal is protected under a law which states there can be no unauthorized adornment, sales, or reproductions. Perhaps this is another good day to reflect on the brave men and women who have fought to keep our nation strong and free.

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