National Medal of Honor Day

About National Medal of Honor Day

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Dates of National Medal of Honor Day
2026 USA Wednesday, March 25thNational Medal of Honor Day 2025 USA Tuesday, March 25thNational Medal of Honor Day 2024 USA Monday, March 25thNational Medal of Honor Day 2023 USA Saturday, March 25thNational Medal of Honor Day 2022 USA Friday, March 25thNational Medal of Honor Day
Summary
This date was chosen because the first Medal of Honor was presented on March 25, 1863, during the Civil War.

Today is National Medal of Honor Day, a special day set aside to honor all recipients of the Medal of Honor - the United States highest military decoration. Every March 25th commemorates the six-character trait pillars, courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and commitment espoused by Medal of Honor recipients, according to the Patriot Post.

Congress passed a bill in 1990 to declare the holiday, which became Public Law 101-564 after President George H.W. Bush’s signature. National Medal of Honor Day was recognized for the first time in 1991.

The first Medal of Honor was awarded on March 25th 1863, which is why National Medal of Honor Day is celebrated each year on the 25th of March. Most observances of the national holiday take place on military bases and within local communities. 

The Army Medal of Honor was created in 1862. By 1915, members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard were also eligible to receive the National Medal of Honor. In the 1960’s the Air Force created their own version of the prestigious award.

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