National Medal of Honor Day, observed annually on March 25, is a solemn day of recognition for the heroic individuals who have received the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award for valor. This day honors the courage, selflessness, and sacrifice of those who went above and beyond the call of duty to protect their nation and fellow soldiers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the values of bravery and patriotism.
The Medal of Honor was first established during the Civil War in 1861 and has been awarded to over 3,500 recipients since its inception. Each medal tells a story of incredible heroism, with recipients coming from all branches of the U.S. armed forces. National Medal of Honor Day was officially designated by Congress in 1990 to commemorate these extraordinary acts of valor and to inspire future generations to live by the same principles.
When Is National Medal of Honor Day Celebrated?
National Medal of Honor Day is observed every year on March 25, the date marking the first presentation of the Medal of Honor in 1863. Here’s a look at when this important day will fall in the coming years:
| Year | Date & Day of the Week |
|---|---|
| 2025 | March 25, Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 25, Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 25, Thursday |
| 2028 | March 25, Saturday |
| 2029 | March 25, Sunday |
| 2030 | March 25, Monday |
Fascinating Facts About the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is steeped in history and tradition, with many fascinating facts about its legacy and significance:
- The first Medals of Honor were awarded to six Union soldiers for capturing a Confederate train during the Civil War.
- There are three versions of the medal, one for each branch of the armed forces: Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Recipients of the Medal of Honor are saluted by all military personnel, regardless of rank, as a sign of deep respect.
- Only one woman, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, has received the Medal of Honor, for her service as a surgeon during the Civil War.
- The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President of the United States in the name of Congress, making it one of the most prestigious honors in the country.
Ways to Commemorate National Medal of Honor Day
National Medal of Honor Day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by Medal of Honor recipients and honor their legacy. Here are some meaningful ways to observe the day:
- Learn their stories: Read about Medal of Honor recipients and their extraordinary acts of bravery. Their stories are often both inspiring and humbling.
- Visit a memorial: Pay your respects at a Medal of Honor memorial or a local veterans’ cemetery. Reflect on the courage and sacrifices made by service members.
- Fly the flag: Display the U.S. flag at your home or workplace as a symbol of gratitude and respect for Medal of Honor recipients.
- Attend or watch a ceremony: Many communities hold events to honor Medal of Honor recipients. If there’s one nearby, participate in person or watch online.
- Share on social media: Use hashtags like #MedalOfHonorDay to spread awareness about the significance of this day and the stories of its recipients.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
