xk wk xk xk wk xk xk MEDAL OF HONOR b0 Years of Courage and Sacrifice ‘ . 1861 - 20/4 Saluting The Congressional Medal Of Honor (NAPS)—A medal this nation confers in recognition of selfless acts of bravery is receiving very special recognition. The Congressional Medal of Honoris the highest honor that can be awarded by Congress to a memberof the Armed Forces. It is presented by the president of the United States for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one’s life above and beyondthecall of duty.” The Medal has three variations today: one for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard; one for the Army; and onefor the Air Force. Each is worn on a ribbon of light blue, embroidered with 18 stars. A Celebration Of Service To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Medal of Honor, a series of gala balls and other events are taking place across the country throughoutthe year. In addition, Congress has authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 100,000 gold $5 coins and up to 500,000 silver $1 coins in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the Medal of Honor in 1861. The designsof the coins are intended to be emblematic of the traditions, legacy and heritage of the Medal of Honor andthe distinguished serviceof its recipients. A portion of the proceeds will support the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s education programs featuring college scholarships, a nationwide character development program, and sponsorship of Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets. The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation supports the @ The Congressional Medal of Honor and its recipients are being honored with a special coin that’s been issued by the U.S. Treasury. objectives, activities and outreach programs of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and raises funds for initiatives that promote what the Medal of Honor represents. It also promotes American values and the qualities of courage, sacrifice and patriotism through increased awareness, education, behavior and example. “The commemorative coins are a tangible way for Americans everywhere to embrace what the Medal of Honor represents,” said retired Colonel Leo Thorsness, USAF president of the Congressional Medal of HonorSociety. The Medal of Honor Commem- orative Coins—described as a “one-time opportunity to embrace the Medal of Honorprinciples”— are available only in 2011. Order online at www.usmint.gov/catalog or call 1-800-USA-MINT (8726468).
