In a ceremony set for March 25, 2024, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society will recognize six recipients for their unparalleled courage and service, shining a light on the heroism of everyday Americans.
In an era where societal valor often remains unsung, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society is once again stepping forward to acknowledge extraordinary acts of bravery and service performed by everyday Americans. On March 25, 2024, as part of the annual tradition coinciding with National Medal of Honor Day, the society is set to honor five U.S. citizens and a nonprofit organization for actions that embody the highest principles of courage, sacrifice, citizenship, integrity, commitment, and patriotism; principles synonymous with the Medal of Honor itself but equally applicable to civilian valor.
The ceremony, poised to take place in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and emceed by NBC News Correspondent Courtney Kube, carries a significant weight. It’s not merely an event but a heartfelt recognition by the 63 living Medal of Honor Recipients, encapsulating the belief that heroism and selfless service transcend the boundaries of military uniform.
Amongst the awe-inspiring stories to be highlighted during the event, two remarkable acts stand out for their sheer bravery in the face of imminent danger. Riley Coon from Wailuku, Hawaii, is to be recognized for his pivotal role during the Lahaina fires. Answering an urgent call from the Coast Guard amidst 80 mph winds, Riley Coon and his team launched into action, navigating their vessels closer to the fiery danger to save lives. Similarly, Brandon Tsay of San Marino, California, is being honored for his decisive intervention during the Lunar New Year celebrations in Alhambra, where he disarmed a mass shooter, potentially saving countless lives.
But heroism doesn’t always emerge from moments of immediate peril. The awards also underscore acts of prolonged dedication and service. For instance, Austen Macmillan from Wellington, Florida, displayed quick thinking and a profound sense of responsibility when he rescued his behavioral therapist from drowning, demonstrating that heroism knows no age limit. Danny Combs from Golden, Colorado, is recognized for his innovative program, TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades), which opens career paths for individuals with autism, fueled by his personal journey as a father.
The accolades extend to the youth category, where Ethan Hill from Birmingham, Alabama, was selected for his contributions to the homeless through his initiative Ethan’s Heart Bag4Blessings, illustrating how compassion and action can instigate change at any age.
Not to be overlooked, America’s VetDogs, a New York-based nonprofit, is acknowledged for its mission to enhance the lives of veterans and first responders with disabilities through meticulously matched service dogs, epitomizing the substantial, often unseen, acts of service that stitch the fabric of American society.
These stories, celebrated at the annual Citizen Honors Awards, are not just narratives of individual valor but emblematic of a broader truth – that the principles underlying the Medal of Honor are alive in countless Americans. By elevating these acts, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society aims not only to honor these individuals and their actions but to inspire an ethos of service and sacrifice across the nation.
The Citizen Honors Awards, initiated in 2007, reflect a conviction held by Medal of Honor Recipients; while they may have been recognized for their valor, countless others enact the values of the Medal in everyday life, deserving recognition and emulation. This year, as in previous years, the event not only commemorates acts of courage and selflessness but serves as a poignant reminder of the capacity for heroism inherent in every American.