CRAPO JOINS CALL FOR NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today joined Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) in introducing a resolution to designate March 25, 2007, as National Medal of Honor Day. The resolution passed this evening and is now on its way to the House of Representatives for final passage. The proposed date for National Medal of Honor Day coincides with the first time the Medal was awarded - March 25, 1863. The Medal of Honor was established by an act of Congress and signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. "A National Medal of Honor Day is an opportunity for us as a nation to recognize our country's bravest Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen," Crapo said. "These heroes devoted their lives to protecting our freedom and are deserving of our deepest respect and honor."Military members who earn the Medal of Honor put the needs of their nation, countrymen and comrades above their own. They are real-life heroes, and it is fitting that we set aside a day to celebrate their lives and commitment. A number of Idahoans have earned the Medal of Honor, and I am proud to be a part of this effort to recognize the valiant service of these exemplary individuals." Since being enacted, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to 3,441 recipients, 111 of whom are still alive today. Crapo is a member of the Senate Reserve, National Guard and Air Force Caucuses. He also established the Idaho Spirit of Freedom Award in 2002 to honor veterans for their service to our nation and the volunteers who assist our veterans. The statewide nomination process includes input from a number of partners, including the Idaho Division of Veteran's Affairs, the Idaho State Veterans' Homes (ISVH), the VA Regional Office, the VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Boise, as well as the commanders of chartered veterans' service organizations in Idaho.