Features

April 1, 2007  

TO CONGRESS

For unanimously passing a concurrent resolution that recommends the creation of a national Medal of Honor Day. The resolution would make March 25 a day to celebrate and remember the more than 3,400 people who have received the nation’s highest honor for valor.

Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) sponsored the Senate resolution and Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) sponsored the House resolution, paving the way for a rare bill that enjoys total bipartisan support.

The newest Medal of Honor recipient is retired Lt. Col. Bruce Crandall, 74, who, as an Army helicopter pilot during the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965, repeatedly flew his UH-1D Huey under enemy fire to rescue and resupply 1st Cavalry Division soldiers.

To get the Medal of Honor Day bill to the president, lawmakers must figure out a way around a procedural hurdle and mesh the House and Senate resolutions. Compared with the actions of Crandall and his fellow Medal of Honor recipients, their task is a cinch.