LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 25, 2023, Medal of Honor Day in Michigan, to honor the sacrifice and heroism by Medal of Honor recipients.

“On Medal of Honor Day, we come together to recognize the heroes who served our nation in uniform with distinction and displayed valor on the battlefield,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, I encourage my fellow Michiganders to reflect on and pay tribute to American heroes who fought for rights, ideals and freedoms we all hold dear.”

“Fewer than 4,000 courageous individuals have received this honor throughout our nation’s history,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families.”

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;

    While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or

    While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

There have been 111 Medals of Honor accredited to Michigan service members, you can view their stories of sacrifice here: Michigan Medal of Honor Recipients.  

The United States Congress passed a bill designating March 25 as Medal of Honor Day in November 1990 and it was signed into law on November 15, 1990 by George H. W. Bush. The remembrance was first recognized in 1991.

View the full proclamation.