2011 National Medal of Honor Day

March 25, 2011 marked National Medal of Honor Day. On a day set aside for them, the Medal of Honor recipients have chosen to thank America for raising sons and daughters who have within them the same attributes of courage and selflessness as they demonstrated in combat and for which they received the Medal of Honor.  In addition to laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery to honor all of the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in the cause of freedom, they bestowed Citizen Honors – Citizen Service Before Self Honors – on three ordinary citizens who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness on behalf of their fellow man in their daily lives. Framed certificates of appreciation were awarded to 17 other finalists.  

In addition to the Citizen Honors awards, the American Spirit award was presented to an outstanding Boy Scout who demonstrated extraordinary leadership and courage in extraordinary circumstances. The American Spirit Award highlights the very core values embodied in the Medal of Honor and Scouting….among others, having the courage to do the right thing and thinking of others before oneself.

    
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Medal of Honor Recipients Line Up to Present Wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns	Medal of Honor Recipients Lay Wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns	Medal of Honor Recipients Depart Wreath Laying

MOH recipients Bruce Crandall and Gary Beikirch Present Posthumous Citizen Honors Award to Christopher Conley on behalf of Marie Conley

Marie Conley, sacrificed her own life to save a young boy’s when she used her body to shield him from an oncoming car in Boston, Massachusetts.  

MOH recipient Harvey "Barney" Barnum Presents the Citizen Service Before Self Award to Timothy Brooks

Detective Timothy Brooks of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania valiantly rescued a woman and her three children who were stranded in the Delaware River after their tour boat collided with a barge and sank.

MOH recipient Charles Hagemeister Presents Citizen Honors Award to Dominique Spino on behalf of Dr. Pascal Spino

Dr. Pascal Spino commited his life to treating children – tens of thousands, many whose families could not afford healthcare.

MOH recipient Leo Thorsness Presents American Spirit Award to Jack Pape

Boy Scout, Jack Pape provided aid to Scouts who were injured during a tornado that struck Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Iowa and one year later, administered CPR to a boy who stopped breathing in a hotel swimming pool.

As part of the Medal of Honor celebration, the Foundation hosted a reception in Statuary Hall, the most prestigious location in th U.S. Capital Rotunda. Recipient Brian Thacker presented a set of MoH commemorative coins to Congressman Ruben Hinojosa for display in the Capitol Visitor Center. Treasurer of the United States, Rosie Rios, launched the coin program. Medal of Honor Day started with a ceremony at the Pentagon Hall of Heroes hosted by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Medal of Honor. Senior officers in each service summarized the Medal of Honor as it applied to their service. MoH recipient, Leo Thorsness presented a set of commemorative coins for display in the Hall of Heroes.

Medal of Honor Recipients with Honorees	Treasurer of the United States,Rosie Rios and Congressman Ruben Hinojosa	MoH Recipient Brian Thacker Presents Coin Set to Congressman Ruben Hinojosa
Chairman Mullen Welcomes MoH Recipients to Hall of Heroes	Army Vice Chief, Chiarelli, MoH Recipient Walt Ehlers and Sergeant Major Chandler	MoH Recipient, Leo Thorsness Presents Commemorative Coin Set to General Schwartz for Hall of Heroes

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