On Tuesday, an emotional event has happened in connection to the memories of two World War I American heroes, as President Barack Obama has awarded them the Medal of Honor postmortem. The two Word War I soldiers were one Jewish and one African American. Their families received the prestigious Medal of Honor from the president of the United States in an inspirational ceremony. And with the Medal of Honor posthumously received by the two war heroes, who fought for the United States a hundred years ago, President Obama delivered a speech on the national duty to remember its heroes, no matter the time.
Mr. Barack Obama has talked about the sacrifice of the two World War I soldiers on the front lines in France, during the first tragic global military conflict of the 20th century. The President has added that their bravery and valor have never been recognized as they should have been. Mr. Obama has said that the American nation is one that remembers its heroes and this should be a fact to resist the test of time.
“They both left us decades ago, before we could give them the full recognition that they deserve. But it’s never too late to say thank you.”
President Barack Obama has said during his speech. He should without any doubts keep his speech writers close, because they are doing such a fine job.
Pvt. Henry Johnson, one of the World War I heroes to posthumously receive the Medal of Honor on Tuesday, has been not properly thanked by the authorities due to the segregation in the Army, in the period in which he fought, said Mr. Obama. He added that Sgt. William Shemin has also been neglected by the American nation and authorities until now.
The President has emphasized the fact that, even if 97 years have passed since the two soldiers should have received the Medal of Honor, the authorities had to make things right. Barack Obama has added that it is a national duty for the American people to tell the stories of those who have fallen on the battlefield. Even if, according to Obama, it sometimes takes too much to properly acknowledge the heroic facts.
According to the President`s speech, this is the least that the Americans can do in order to honor the memories of its heroes, sending a message of gratefulness and respect.
Image Source: NY Times