Medal of Honor Day 2025: Honoring Valor Through Citizen Honors Awards
On March 25, 2025, the nation will celebrate National Medal of Honor Day, a day dedicated to honoring the valor and dedication of Medal of Honor Recipients. This significant day was established by Congress to enhance public appreciation for these extraordinary individuals, with events planned to recognize both their contributions and those of others who embody the values associated with the Medal of Honor.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, an organization comprising all 61 living Medal of Honor Recipients, will host the annual Citizen Honors Awards in Arlington, Virginia. This prestigious event will commend five exemplary U.S. citizens and one nonprofit organization for their notable acts of heroism and service that reflect the spirit of courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, citizenship, and patriotism. This year, the awards ceremony will be emceed by Martha Raddatz, the Chief Global Affairs Correspondent for ABC News, adding significance to an already profound occasion.
As part of the ceremony, a ceremonial moment is expected where the honored recipients will receive a Citizen Honors Award medallion from the Medal of Honor Recipients, mirroring the tradition of how they were honored themselves. The stories of this year's awardees are nothing short of inspiring. From saving lives during a school shooting to aiding victims after a house explosion, these acts of bravery illustrate not only the valor but the potential greatness within ordinary Americans.
Medal of Honor Recipient and Society President Britt Slabinski expressed that the Citizen Honors Awards serve as a vital reminder of their mission to propel the legacy of the Medal throughout the nation. He stated, "The Medal of Honor isn't just about military actions; it represents the ability of every individual to show extraordinary courage and commitment to their communities, whether in everyday life or crisis situations."
The importance of this celebration extends beyond the awards ceremony itself. Prior to the main event, Medal of Honor Recipients will participate in community outreach activities designed to foster patriotism and public engagement. This includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, paying tribute to all who have made significant sacrifices for their country. These ceremonies will be held not only at Arlington but also at various Medal of Honor memorials across the United States, including Indianapolis, Riverside, and Mount Pleasant, SC.
The Citizen Honors Awards, initiated in 2007, aim to inspire all Americans to recognize acts of courage and service that reflect the Medal of Honor's ideals. This year, the finalists were reviewed by a panel put together by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, ensuring that the recipients exemplified these values. The selected honorees represent diverse backgrounds and stories, showcasing the wide range of heroism found within American society.
Some of this year's honorees include:
As the nation reflects on courage and civic responsibility, Medal of Honor Day serves as a platform to honor both the legacy of the Medal of Honor and the ongoing heroic efforts found within communities. The events marking this year's observance not only celebrate the past but also encourage future generations to embrace and embody the values that the Medal of Honor represents. The hope is that through such recognition, the ideals of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism can inspire all Americans to serve their communities with unwavering commitment and integrity.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, an organization comprising all 61 living Medal of Honor Recipients, will host the annual Citizen Honors Awards in Arlington, Virginia. This prestigious event will commend five exemplary U.S. citizens and one nonprofit organization for their notable acts of heroism and service that reflect the spirit of courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, citizenship, and patriotism. This year, the awards ceremony will be emceed by Martha Raddatz, the Chief Global Affairs Correspondent for ABC News, adding significance to an already profound occasion.
As part of the ceremony, a ceremonial moment is expected where the honored recipients will receive a Citizen Honors Award medallion from the Medal of Honor Recipients, mirroring the tradition of how they were honored themselves. The stories of this year's awardees are nothing short of inspiring. From saving lives during a school shooting to aiding victims after a house explosion, these acts of bravery illustrate not only the valor but the potential greatness within ordinary Americans.
Medal of Honor Recipient and Society President Britt Slabinski expressed that the Citizen Honors Awards serve as a vital reminder of their mission to propel the legacy of the Medal throughout the nation. He stated, "The Medal of Honor isn't just about military actions; it represents the ability of every individual to show extraordinary courage and commitment to their communities, whether in everyday life or crisis situations."
The importance of this celebration extends beyond the awards ceremony itself. Prior to the main event, Medal of Honor Recipients will participate in community outreach activities designed to foster patriotism and public engagement. This includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, paying tribute to all who have made significant sacrifices for their country. These ceremonies will be held not only at Arlington but also at various Medal of Honor memorials across the United States, including Indianapolis, Riverside, and Mount Pleasant, SC.
The Citizen Honors Awards, initiated in 2007, aim to inspire all Americans to recognize acts of courage and service that reflect the Medal of Honor's ideals. This year, the finalists were reviewed by a panel put together by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, ensuring that the recipients exemplified these values. The selected honorees represent diverse backgrounds and stories, showcasing the wide range of heroism found within American society.
Some of this year's honorees include:
- - Dan Marburger (Posthumous) from Perry, IA, who bravely confronted a school shooter, demonstrating unparalleled courage to protect students despite suffering fatal injuries.
- - Greg Renko from Plum, PA, who fearlessly entered a house explosion area to save lives amidst ongoing dangers from potential subsequent blasts.
- - Jakob Thompson from West Palm, FL, who acted quickly to rescue a woman pulled toward treacherous waters, exemplifying swift action in a life-threatening situation.
- - Bryan Stern from Tampa, FL, founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, who devotes his life to rescuing individuals from conflict zones.
- - DeJuan Strickland from St. Louis, MO, a young activist combatting food insecurity and mobilizing communities to assist the homeless.
- - American Corporate Partners (ACP), a nonprofit recognized for its commitment to helping veterans and military spouses with underemployment through mentoring and career support.
As the nation reflects on courage and civic responsibility, Medal of Honor Day serves as a platform to honor both the legacy of the Medal of Honor and the ongoing heroic efforts found within communities. The events marking this year's observance not only celebrate the past but also encourage future generations to embrace and embody the values that the Medal of Honor represents. The hope is that through such recognition, the ideals of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism can inspire all Americans to serve their communities with unwavering commitment and integrity.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.