Medal of Honor Day Wreath Laying

Arlington National Cemetery commemorated National Medal of Honor Day with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Nearly 30 recipients of the Medal of Honor were present. The Medal of Honor was first authorized in 1861 for Sailors and Marines, and the following year for Soldiers as well. Since then, only 3,493 Medals of Honor have been awarded to members of all services. The first award of the Medal of Honor was made March 25, 1863 to Private Jacob Parrott.