National Medal of Honor Day 2026
awarenessThursday, March 25, 2027
191 days from today · next occurrence
About National Medal of Honor Day
National Medal of Honor Day honors the recipients of the United States' highest military decoration, awarded for conspicuous gallantry and valor beyond the call of duty. Observed every year on March 25, the day asks Americans to pause and recognize the extraordinary courage of the fewer than 4,000 individuals who have received the medal since it was created during the Civil War. Many recipients earned it at the cost of their lives, throwing themselves on grenades, shielding comrades, or pressing forward when retreat would have been understandable.
The date is not random: on March 25, 1863, the first Medals of Honor were presented to members of Andrews' Raiders for their daring raid deep into Confederate territory. Today the observance is marked with ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, moments of silence, flag displays, and outreach that encourages people to learn and share recipients' stories. It is a quiet, reflective day rather than a festive one, meant to keep heroism and sacrifice in public memory.
When is National Medal of Honor Day?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 25, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 25, 2027 | Thursday |
| 2028 | March 25, 2028 | Saturday |
| 2029 | March 25, 2029 | Sunday |
| 2030 | March 25, 2030 | Monday |
History of National Medal of Honor Day
The Medal of Honor was authorized by President Abraham Lincoln and Congress in 1861 and 1862, first for the Navy and then for the Army. On March 25, 1863, six members of Andrews' Raiders received the first medals for their daring train seizure in Georgia, fixing the date now commemorated each year. Roughly 3,500 medals have since been awarded, most posthumously, reflecting the extreme standards for the award. Congress designated March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day in 1990, and the Medal of Honor Society, founded by recipients, uses the day for remembrance and education. Annual ceremonies at Arlington, wreath layings, and school programs connect new generations with stories of valor that might otherwise fade from view.
How to Celebrate National Medal of Honor Day
- Visit a veterans memorial or attend a Medal of Honor ceremony, many of which are open to the public.
- Read the citation of one recipient and share the story with a friend, class, or online.
- Fly the American flag at your home or business in tribute.
- Thank a veteran or active-duty service member in person.
- Support organizations that assist Medal of Honor recipients, their families, or veterans in transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is National Medal of Honor Day?
- National Medal of Honor Day falls every year on March 25, the anniversary of the first Medals of Honor being presented in 1863.
- Is National Medal of Honor Day a public holiday?
- No. It is a national observance, not a federal public holiday, so government offices, schools, and banks operate on a normal schedule.
- How do people celebrate National Medal of Honor Day?
- People observe the day with ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, flag displays, moments of silence, and educational events. Many visit memorials, read recipients' citations, or thank veterans personally.
- Who has received the Medal of Honor?
- Fewer than 4,000 service members have received it since the Civil War, and a large share were honored posthumously. Recipients range from Civil War soldiers to modern service members recognized for extreme acts of gallantry.