National Medal of Honor Day was established by Congress to “foster public appreciation and recognition of Medal of Honor Recipients.” The first National Medal of Honor Day was celebrated on March 25, 1991. March 25th was chosen because it was on that date in 1863 that the first Medals of Honor were presented to six members of Andrews’ Raiders.
To its Recipients, the Medal of Honor represents more than recognition of combat actions. Instead, it symbolizes the sacrifices of those we served alongside and those who came before. To honor those sacrifices, each year on National Medal of Honor Day, the Recipients lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The “unknowns” buried here are each Medal of Honor Recipients.
