National Medal Of Honor Day

A group of brave soldiers standing proudly, wearing their military uniforms, with a backdrop of an American flag.. — National medal of honor day illustration

Hold onto your medals, folks - and if you don't have one, steal it back from your naughty pet for a day. We're commemorating National Medal of Honor Day, a gold star of a day that's been creating a buzz on the internet and picking up more mentions than a top tweet about pizza toppings (probably).

When is Medal Of Honor Day?

It's national medal of honor day on the 25th March.

A Salute to National Medal of Honor Day

No, you don't have to be a hero to celebrate this day; you just need a healthy appreciation for those who've shown exemplary bravery, sacrifice, and dedication. National Medal of Honor Day takes a moment, or two, on March 25th every year to honor the renowned recipients of America's highest and most prestigious personal military decoration.

On the Wings of the Web

From message boards to hashtags and shout-outs, the internet has been lifting this day higher than a heroic scene in a superhero movie. We noted a jaw-dropping 18292 mentions online, and guess when things really took off? March 25, 2021. It's like the world suddenly discovered it didn't need a cape to join in celebrating heroism!

Medals and Munchies?

While this day is about acknowledging courage, you'll be pleased to hear that no heroic feats are required from you (unless you count rescuing that last piece of cake from disappearing!). This day is about remembering and honoring, and what better way to do that than with loved ones over food? A meal where each dish is a tribute to a favorite meal of a Medal of Honor recipient, can certainly make the day more personal, even if your roast will never match grandma's!

History behind the term 'Medal Of Honor'

1862

Creation of the Medal of Honor

The term 'Medal of Honor' originates from the creation of the award itself. In 1862, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the creation of the Medal of Honor, making it the highest military decoration for valor in action. The medal was intended to recognize and honor the courage and sacrifice of soldiers who went above and beyond the call of duty.

1863

First Medals of Honor awarded

In 1863, the first Medals of Honor were awarded by the U.S. Army. The original design featured an eagle and a shield with the motto 'Valor' along with the recipient's name engraved on the back. This marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition of recognizing extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism in the military.

1904

Medal of Honor standardized

In 1904, the design of the Medal of Honor was standardized to the familiar inverted star shape we see today. The medal features a blue center with white stars representing the states of the Union, surrounded by a circle of 34 gold stars, one for each state at the time. The new design sought to honor the valor and sacrifice of those who served their country.

1916

Navy version introduced

In 1916, the Navy version of the Medal of Honor was introduced. It retains the same basic design as the Army version but features an anchor at the top of the star instead of an eagle. This distinction reflects the unique contributions and bravery of Navy personnel in defense of the nation.

1965

Air Force version created

In 1965, the Air Force version of the Medal of Honor was created, distinct from the Army and Navy versions. The Air Force design features an eagle with outstretched wings on an altered version of the familiar star shape. This new variant honors the bravery and accomplishments of Air Force personnel in combat.

Did you know?

Did you know that the Medal of Honor became a permanent military decoration only in 1863? Until then, the brave folks had to give the medals back after wearing it around town for a day!