NATIONAL MEDAL 
OF HONOR DAY
NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY
ABOUT

National Medal of Honor Day is a United States Federal Holiday that is celebrated every year on March 25th. It was created to honor the "heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.” Initiated by David Clark in 2007, this US Holiday was unanimously approved by every member of the 110th Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush.

THE MEDAL OF HONOR

The Medal of Honor is the highest distinction that can be awarded by the President, in the name of the Congress and the American people, to members of the Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty.
ABOUT

National Medal of Honor Day, observed annually on March 25, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the extraordinary heroism and profound sacrifices of the nation's Medal of Honor recipients. Established in 2007 through the vision of David Clark, this holiday received unanimous approval from the 110th Congress and was signed into law by President George W. Bush, enshrining a day to commemorate the courage and dedication of those who have given their utmost in service to the United States.

THE MEDAL OF HONOR

The Medal of Honor stands as the nation’s highest distinction, awarded by the President, on behalf of Congress and the American people, to members of the Armed Forces who have displayed extraordinary gallantry and fearless resolve in combat - risking their lives in acts of courage that transcend the call of duty.
ABOUT

National Medal of Honor Day is a United States Federal Holiday that is celebrated every year on March 25th. It was created to honor the "heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.” Initiated by David Clark in 2007, this US Holiday was unanimously approved by every member of the 110th Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush.

THE MEDAL OF HONOR

The Medal of Honor is the highest distinction that can be awarded by the President, in the name of the Congress and the American people, to members of the Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty.
THE INSPIRATION

In 2007, planning was underway to create the “Above & Beyond Citizen Honors,” a national initiative created by David Clark to empower the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to recognize heroism, or “Service before self” for civilians who went above and beyond for their follow citizens.

Wanting to create maximum PR to promote the Above & Beyond “service before self” awards, Clark looked to American history for an appropriate date to present the unique civilian awards. After some research, Clark discovered it was Abraham Lincoln who famously said, ““Any Nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure,” and signed into law a measure calling for the awarding of a Medal of Honor. The first Medal of Honor was presented on March 25, 1863.
THE INSPIRATION

In 2007, David Clark created the "Above & Beyond Citizen Honors," a national initiative empowering the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to recognize ordinary civilians who embody the spirit of "service before self" through acts of exceptional heroism.

To establish a fitting legacy for these awards, Clark delved into American history to select a presentation date that would resonate with the nation’s values. His research revealed that it was Abraham Lincoln who, in creating the Medal of Honor, famously declared, “Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.” The first Medal of Honor was presented on March 25, 1863 - a date now enshrined in tribute to those who serve selflessly.
THE CREATION

David Clark secured approval from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to establish “National Medal of Honor Day,” an annual observance set for March 25. Clark envisioned this federal holiday as a profound tribute to the military ethos of “service before self,” allowing Congress, on behalf of the American people, to honor those who wear the nation’s highest award for valor in combat and to elevate the spirit of the Medal of Honor.

Yet, in keeping with their enduring selflessness, Medal of Honor recipients would use this day not to focus on themselves but to spotlight ordinary Americans who became extraordinary through their public service. 
 President Obama places a Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on National Medal of Honor Day
THE CREATION

David Clark received approval from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to begin the process of creating “National Medal of Honor Day” which would be annually observed on March 25th. Clark was convinced that the creation of this official Federal Holiday would be a poignant demonstration of the military ethic of “service before self,” as Congress, in the name of the American people, would annually promote the ethos of the Medal of Honor and honor those who wear our nation’s highest award for valor in combat. However, in true selfless fashion, Medal of Honor recipients on National Medal of Honor Day would turn the public spotlight on ordinary Americans who became extraordinary through public service. 
 President Obama places a Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on National Medal of Honor Day
 President Obama places a Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on National Medal of Honor Day
THE CREATION

David Clark received approval from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to begin the process of creating “National Medal of Honor Day” which would be annually observed on March 25th. Clark was convinced that the creation of this official Federal Holiday would be a poignant demonstration of the military ethic of “service before self,” as Congress, in the name of the American people, would annually promote the ethos of the Medal of Honor and honor those who wear our nation’s highest award for valor in combat. However, in true selfless fashion, Medal of Honor recipients on National Medal of Honor Day would turn the public spotlight on ordinary Americans who became extraordinary through public service. 
NATIONAL 
MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

With the backing of Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, David Clark helped craft legislation to establish National Medal of Honor Day, introduced to the 110th Congress as a Concurrent Resolution in January 2008. In a rare moment of bipartisan unity, the bill passed unanimously in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

On March 25, 2008, the nation observed its first National Medal of Honor Day. In a ceremony held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, General Colin Powell presented the inaugural Above & Beyond Citizen Honors to three extraordinary civilians, marking a powerful tribute to heroism and service.
NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

With the support of Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, Clark helped draft legislation to create National Medal of Honor Day which was introduced to the 110th Congress as a Concurrent Resolution in January of 2008. In an unusual display of non-partisan pride, the bill was unanimously passed by every member of the United States House of Representatives and Senate.

On March 25, 2008, the United States observed its first National Medal of Honor Day when the inaugural Above & Beyond Citizen Honors were presented by General Colin Powell to three remarkable civilians in a ceremony held below the Tomb of the unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
NATIONAL 
MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

With the support of Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, Clark helped draft legislation to create National Medal of Honor Day which was introduced to the 110th Congress as a Concurrent Resolution in January of 2008. In an unusual display of non-partisan pride, the bill was unanimously passed by every member of the United States House of Representatives and Senate.

On March 25, 2008, the United States observed its first National Medal of Honor Day when the inaugural Above & Beyond Citizen Honors were presented by General Colin Powell to three remarkable civilians in a ceremony held below the Tomb of the unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

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