NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Salutes: A Tribute to Our Nation’s Most Honored Heroes celebrates and honors the nation’s living Medal of Honor recipients this weekend.
Created in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln, the Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest and rarest military decoration. It is bestowed by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against the enemy of the United States.”
Fewer than 3,500 individuals have received the Medal. There are currently only 79 living recipients.
27 visiting medal recipients were given a special tribute Friday night at the Grand Ole Opry.
A parade was held Saturday along Broadway in Downtown Nashville.
The USO Nashville, which serves veterans and active duty soldiers throughout Middle Tennessee are among the group participating and honoring the Medal of Honor recipients.
For more information about Nashville Salutes: A Tribute to Our Nation’s Most Honored Heroes, or to see a full list of scheduled events, visit mohnashville.com. For additional information about the CDP education initiative, visit www.cmohedu.org.