So far, 110 Michigan service members have received the Medal of Honor. | Medal of Honor Recipients/Facebook
So far, 110 Michigan service members have received the Medal of Honor. | Medal of Honor Recipients/Facebook
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) declared March 25 as Medal of Honor Day to honor the sacrifice and heroism of the state's medal recipients.
“On Medal of Honor Day, we recognize those among us who answered the highest call to serve our nation in uniform and displayed gallantry on the battlefield,” the governor said in a press release. “I encourage Michiganders to reflect on and pay tribute to these American heroes who fought for rights, ideals, and freedoms we all hold dear.”
The Medal of Honor is authorized "for any military service member who distinguishes themself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States," the press release said.
There have been 110 Medals of Honor given to Michigan service members.
“Fewer than 4,000 courageous individuals have received this honor throughout our nation’s history,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Their stories serve as powerful reminders of service and sacrifice, and we owe them and their families our gratitude and respect.”
The U.S. Congress passed a bill designating March 25 as Medal of Honor Day in November 1990 and it was signed into law that same month by then-President George H. W. Bush, according to the release.
Alerts Sign-up