On National Medal of Honor Day we preserve courage, inspire unity

In 1861, amid the Civil War and the seemingly impossible quest to hold together a deeply fractured nation, President Abraham Lincoln established the Medal of Honor, recognizing the extraordinary acts of bravery and selflessness by Union soldiers on the battlefield. This highest military award for valor in combat stands as a symbol of an unwavering commitment to one’s fellow Americans.

As we find ourselves grappling once more with political strife and ideological divisions, the imperative to unite behind a cause greater than ourselves becomes even more pressing. Today, as we commemorate National Medal of Honor Day, we are called upon to reflect on the heroism of our past and the enduring relevance of its lessons for our present and future.

It is all too easy to lose sight of the things that bring us together as Americans, especially at a time when polarization and division dominate our newsfeeds and the headlines. Yet, stories of selfless courage told through the lives of Medal of Honor recipients serve as poignant reminders of our shared values and collective purpose. These remarkable individuals represent the best our country has to offer. They are a testament to how ordinary people from different walks of life have the capacity to achieve extraordinary things in service to their countrymen. Their bravery speaks not only to the strength of their character but also to our nation’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Though it was delivered almost 160 years ago, the message of President Lincoln’s second inaugural address rings just as true today: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” His timeless words echo a profound call for reconciliation and unity during a time of great division in our nation.

The construction of the National Medal of Honor Museum here in Arlington underscores the same commitment to those who have sacrificed so much to preserve our country and the freedoms we hold dear. However, our vision in building this museum extends beyond creating a repository of artifacts and memorabilia. Its exhibits and galleries aim to bring together and inspire Americans of different backgrounds and generations through the stories and legacies of Medal of Honor recipients.

Amid the cacophony of discord, our bravest American heroes remind us that — regardless of our political differences — we are bound together by a shared love for our country and a commitment to its fundamental principles of freedom, liberty and democracy. These extraordinary Americans demonstrated the highest ideals of patriotism, going above and beyond the call of duty to defend the freedoms we enjoy each day. Their dedication to our country serves as a reminder that, no matter our background or beliefs, we are all part of something greater than ourselves.

As we mark National Medal of Honor Day and pay tribute to the medal’s fewer than 4,000 recipients, we also begin the one-year countdown to the grand opening of the museum – set for March 25, 2025. Over the coming 12 months, we will continue to honor their heroic deeds by sharing their stories and inspiring Americans of all ages and walks of life to confront the challenges of today with unity and resolve.

Chris Cassidy, a former astronaut, is the president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.

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