Luzerne Times

HARRISBURG – A resolution recognizing March 25, 2024, as “National Medal of Honor Day” in Pennsylvania, sponsored by Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill), was passed unanimously in the House of Representatives today.

"The Medal of Honor is the United States Armed Forces’ highest military decoration. Of the 40 million Americans who have served in the military since the Civil War, only 3,517 have earned the award and 379 of them are from Pennsylvania. On this special day, we recognize their bravery, valor and achievements. As an Army veteran, I am proud to be the prime sponsor of House Resolution 347," stated Watro.

Watro emphasized that the Medal of Honor is awarded by the president of the United States to military members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. He highlighted that there are different versions of the Medal for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with Coast Guard members and Marines also eligible to earn the Navy version.

Highlighting the historical significance of the Medal of Honor, Watro mentioned, "The first Medals of Honor were awarded on March 25, 1863, during the Civil War. A Union raiding party had recently destroyed Confederate railways and important transportation in Tennessee and Georgia. Those six soldiers became the initial recipients of the medal."

The resolution aims to honor the recipients of the Medal of Honor and to commemorate their extraordinary acts of valor and sacrifice. March 25th will now be officially recognized as “National Medal of Honor Day” in Pennsylvania, thanks to the unanimous support it received in the House of Representatives.

For more information or to view a broadcast-quality video of Watro's floor remarks in support of the resolution, visit Representative Dane Watro's official website or Facebook page.