WHEREAS, The Medal of Honor is the highest distinction that can be awarded by the President of the United States, in the name of the Congress, to a member of the Armed Forces who has distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their life above and beyond the call of duty; and

WHEREAS, Only a few of the millions of men and women who have served the United States in war, military operations, or other armed conflicts have received the Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, The first Medals of Honor were presented by the Secretary of War during the Civil War to six members of Andrews Raiders; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate to honor the heroic Medal of Honor recipients; and

WHEREAS, Congress established National Medal of Honor Day in response to declining public awareness regarding the importance of the Medal of Honor to foster public appreciation for, and recognition of, Medal of Honor recipients; and

WHEREAS, The first National Medal of Honor Day was celebrated on March 25, 1991; and

WHEREAS, March 25 was chosen for National Medal of Honor Day because the first Medals of Honor were presented on March 25, 1863; and

WHEREAS, To its recipients, the Medal of Honor represents more than a recognition of combatit symbolizes the sacrifices made by the people with whom they served and the people who served before them; and

WHEREAS, To honor the sacrifice those people made, each year Medal of Honor recipients lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, a resting place for Medal of Honor recipients who cannot be identified, within Arlington National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, National Medal of Honor Day provides an opportunity for the public to reflect on the importance of service and sacrifice; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes March 25, 2025, as National Medal of Honor Day in California and urges Californians to offer a most sincere appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by Medal of Honor recipients; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

SCR 18: National Medal of Honor Day.

Current Status:

News Coverage: