(NewsNation) — The U.S. is observing National Medal of Honor Day on Monday, memorializing those who received the highest military decoration awarded to the members of the armed services since 1991.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society memorializes the 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients from throughout the nation’s history on March 25, which was chosen because the first Medals of Honor were presented on that date in 1863.
According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, only 63 Medal of Honor recipients are living. Among them is Retired Army Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee, who was awarded a Medal of Honor for actions he took during an attack on a U.S. base in Afghanistan in August of 2013.
“It’s humbling and awe-inspiring. The majority of our members are Vietnam veterans and legends in the military community that I always admired throughout my career. So, to be among them as up here is, it’s just incredibly humbling,” he told Morning in America.
Plumlee said Americans should mark National Medal of Honor Day by enjoying the country.
“Live your best life and enjoy the country that we’ve all built together. I think that’s always the best way to honor a veteran’s services is to enjoy the country as much as you can.”
The Medal of Honor is presented to “those who have shown gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of their lives, above and beyond the call of duty,” according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.