Every year, on March 25, we come together to honor the brave men and women who have received the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. But what is Medal of Honor Day, and why does it matter? Established by Congress in 1990, this day serves as an opportunity for us to reflect on the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service displayed by Medal of Honor Recipients throughout American history. It is a time to pay tribute to these heroes, recognize their legacies, and support their continued work. Here’s what to know about this important day.

What is Medal of Honor Day, and Why Does it Matter?

To truly understand what makes this day meaningful, let’s explore what it means and how you can pay your respects, whether it’s by supporting our cause or empowering students in your classroom to pay their respects to Medal of Honor Recipients. 

What is Medal of Honor Day?

Medal of Honor Day, celebrated annually on March 25, is a federal observance that commemorates the bravery and sacrifices of over 3,500 individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. Awarded for “…conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one’s life, above and beyond the call of duty,” the Medal of Honor sits atop the “Pyramid of Honor” as the United States’ highest military recognition. 

This day was established by Congress to “foster public appreciation and recognition of Medal of Honor Recipients” and was first celebrated on March 25, 1991. This date was chosen because it was on that date in 1863 that the first Medals of Honor were presented to six members of Andrew’s Raiders.

The day serves not only as a celebration of the Recipients’ bravery but also as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who put their lives on the line for our country. Throughout the day, various ceremonies and events take place to honor the Medal of Honor Recipients and their legacies. 

One of the most significant traditions is the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. This solemn event involves Medal of Honor Recipients who gather to pay their respects and commemorate those who gave their lives in service to the nation. 

This ceremony is a profoundly emotional moment that not only honors the Recipients’ heroic deeds but also serves as a powerful reminder of the unwavering sacrifice made by all who have served, embodying the spirit of selflessness and dedication that defines our nation’s bravest heroes.

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Why Does Medal of Honor Day Matter? 

Just as those who received the Medal of Honor went far above and beyond the call of duty, National Medal of Honor Day goes far beyond being a day of remembrance. 

National Medal of Honor day is a rallying call for the nation to unite in reverence for the extraordinary courage and unparalleled sacrifices of those who selflessly served our nation. 

On this day, we are reminded of the timeless values that make America strong: unwavering courage, steadfast integrity, and selfless devotion to the greater good. These principles transcend time, inspiring us to uphold the ideals that our nation was built upon.

For the Recipients, this day serves as an opportunity to reflect on their heroic journey and the fallen comrades who gave their lives in the service of our freedom. 

Their actions, often involving life-or-death decisions to protect others, are a beacon of what it means to serve with the highest level of duty and commitment.

By honoring them, we not only pay tribute to their incredible sacrifices but also preserve the legacy of military service for future generations. Their stories of bravery fuel the fire of inspiration, reminding us all of the sacrifices that have shaped the freedom we cherish today. 

Medal of Honor Day calls us to carry their torch forward, ensuring that their courage and honor continue to inspire every citizen who takes pride in our nation’s rich history of service while helping to develop crucial character in America’s youth and forge the heroes of tomorrow that our nation needs.

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How Can You Honor Medal of Honor Day?

If you are wondering how you can participate in Medal of Honor Day and honor those who put it all on the line for the benefit of our nation, there are several ways you can offer support. Here are a few meaningful ways to honor Medal of Honor Day and the Recipients’ legacies:

1. Share Their Stories: One of the simplest and most powerful ways to honor Medal of Honor Recipients is to share their stories of valor. These stories inspire others to serve, to act with integrity, and to put others above themselves. You can share their stories with your community, your children, or on social media, helping to ensure that the courage and sacrifice of these individuals are never forgotten.
2. Support the Medal of Honor Society: Donations to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society help fund programs that support the continued work of Recipients, including educational outreach, community service projects, and support for veterans. Your contribution ensures that these heroes can continue their mission to inspire and educate future generations.
3. Attend Events: If you have the opportunity, attend Medal of Honor Day events or local ceremonies in your area. Participate in wreath-laying ceremonies, memorial services, and other tributes to show your respect for those who have served. 
4. Volunteer: Many Medal of Honor Recipients continue to work on causes they are passionate about, often focused on helping veterans and communities. By volunteering your time, you can help further their missions and honor their continued service to others.
5. Incorporate Their Stories Into Your Curriculum: If you are an educator, whether it’s in a classroom setting or homeschooling environment, including these stories into your curriculum is an excellent way to honor these heroes this Medal of Honor Day. We offer the Character Development Program (CDP) and Path to Honor program. Both of these dynamic and engaging platforms are free, come with ready-made immersive lessons, and are designed by teachers for teachers, serving as a seamless and captivating addition to your elementary, middle, or high school class. These lessons encompass a wide range of subject areas, from math to music to language arts to journalism to sociology. 

If you are looking for events to attend, every year, special National Medal of Honor Ceremonies are held at the USS Yorktown, home of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society headquarters and the Medal of Honor Museum at Patriot’s Point, where you can learn more about Medal of Honor Recipients through custom tours and Medal of Honor information checkpoints. These events could even be a great field trip for your class!

The Medal of Honor Recipients also honor National Medal of Honor Day through community outreach, bringing their stories and the importance of the Medal of Honor values into communities, schools, and businesses. 

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The Citizen Awards: A Key Moment on Medal of Honor Day

An important part of Medal of Honor Day is the presentation of the Citizen Honors Awards because we firmly believe that you don’t have to wear a uniform to serve or sacrifice for others. On National Medal of Honor Day, Recipients put this belief into action with these awards.

Citizen Honors Awards are presented on this day of remembrance to those who have demonstrated extraordinary acts of courage, kindness, and selflessness in their communities, reflecting the same qualities exhibited by Medal of Honor Recipients. 

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society started this program to allow Medal of Honor Recipients to shine a spotlight on fellow citizens in recognition of the sacrifices they have made and the service they have carried out on behalf of others. Citizen Honors Awards are presented in five categories:

• Single Act of Heroism Award recognizes Americans who accomplished extraordinary feats of heroism by risking their lives for the benefit of others in dire predicaments;
• Young Hero Award recognizes Americans who are 17 years old or younger for their courage in a severe situation; 
• Service Act Award honors Americans who consistently place others before themselves through a focused initiative of volunteer service;
• Community Service Award honors a community-based non-profit organization for its exceptional impact or mission in supporting our nation’s military service and families;
• Youth Service Award recognizes Americans aged 8 – 17 for placing others before themselves through volunteer service.

By honoring these citizens, the Medal of Honor Society recognizes the ripple effect of honor and courage that extends beyond the battlefield, inspiring others to take action for the greater good.

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Join Us as We Honor Those Who Made Unimaginable Sacrifices for Our Nation and Freedom this Medal of Honor Day.

Medal of Honor Day is an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of our nation. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and inspires us to act with the same courage and commitment in our own lives. Whether it’s through sharing the legacies of Medal of Honor Recipients, supporting their work, or simply reflecting on their sacrifices, Medal of Honor Day calls us all to live with honor, purpose, and a commitment to a greater cause.

As we observe Medal of Honor Day this March 25, take a moment to reflect on the brave service members who have earned this distinction, and consider how you can carry their legacy forward by making a difference in your community, whether it’s by donating to show your support or registering for the free Character Development Program to highlight the stories of Recipients in your class.