Today we celebrate National Medal of Honor Day—a tribute to those “who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.” As we pause to honor those who have earned this distinction serving the country, let us also reflect on the origins of the award.

Established during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor has represented the nation’s highest honor for more than 150 years. According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society:

The earliest actions for which the Medal was awarded took place before the Civil War had even begun, Feb. 13-14, 1861, in what is now Arizona. Bernard J.D. Irwin was an Assistant Surgeon in the Army when he voluntarily led a command of troops to relieve a surrounded detachment of the 7th Infantry. Irwin’s Medal was not awarded until January 24, 1894, over 30 years after he had performed his deed. But on March 25, 1863, Pvt. Jacob Parrott was the first of a group of six men awarded the Medal for their actions in ‘The Great Locomotive Chase’ in April 1862. They were the first ever to wear the Medal of Honor.

Since then, 3,493 servicemen have earned America’s highest combat award. Many recipients strive today to educate the public about the Medal of Honor and what it stands for.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation works directly with these individuals to “[e]ducate and raise awareness in the American public about the Medal of Honor and what it represents by promoting the values of courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism through outreach, education and example.”

According to Silas R. Johnson, Jr., former president of the foundation, this work allows Medal of Honor recipients to bring attention to “American citizens who have demonstrated courage and selflessness in their daily lives.” This year, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is honoring three individuals, all of whom “epitomize the concept of ‘service above self:’”

  • Alton Brieske, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., who saved a man from a car submerged in a lake and performed CPR on him. The lake was “known to have poisonous snakes and alligators.”
  • Jon Meis, of Renton, Wash., who subdued an active shooter on a spree at Seattle Pacific University.
  • Michael Reagan, of Edmonds, Wash., “a Vietnam Veteran [who] founded the Fallen Heroes Project, a non-profit organization that serves the needs of America’s Gold Star families by providing hand-drawn portraits of their combat fallen service members.”

These selfless acts uphold America’s values and defend its interests. On this National Medal of Honor Day, let us honor those who have fallen in service of the country and those who live on and lead by their example.