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Congress designates National Medal of Honor Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Just one day after awarding the Medal of Honor to Bruce Crandall--a veteran of the Vietnam War--the U.S. Congress has acted to recommend creation of a national "Medal of Honor Day."
The 110th Congress today passed, by a unanimous vote, a concurrent resolution to recommend a national Medal of Honor Day on March 25.
Until these resolutions, there had been no nationally observed day for Medal of Honor recipients and the values they represent for all service members. Since 1863, just 3,444 brave individuals have received the nation's highest military honor for courage under fire. There are 112 recipients living today--all of whom acted with uncommon valor to protect fellow servicemen and turn the course of battle.
"We are thrilled that Congress has recognized the important legacy of recipients of the Medal of Honor and of all members of the Armed Forces," said Nick Kehoe, president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. "An annual, national day of recognition is an excellent way to remember these American heroes and foster public appreciation for the important values these veterans represent."
"The medal of honor and those who wear it represent the values of courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism," added David J. McIntyre, Jr., president and chief executive officer of TriWest Healthcare Alliance and a member of the Foundation's board of directors. "We've encouraged Congress to recognize these brave Americans with a day of reflection because it helps all of us appreciate the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who serve, as well as their families, in order to secure freedom for all."