(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)
The Washington Post is reporting that United States President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest commendation for combat valor, to a group of servicemen who were overlooked based on discrimination. The group is composed of Jewish, Hispanic and African-Americans who were “passed over” because of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. The recipients served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Scott Wilson of the Washington Post writes:
“The unusual presentation will culminate a 12-year Pentagon review ordered by Congress into past discrimination in the ranks and will hold a particular poignancy when conducted by the nation’s first African-American president.
Although the review predates Obama’s tenure, he has made addressing discrimination in the military — including ending the ban on gay and lesbian service members — a priority as commander in chief.
With the ornate White House East Room as backdrop, the March 18 ceremony will mark another step to revisit a history of discrimination in the armed forces as the nation’s demographics and social values shift rapidly.”
Only three of the soldiers that will be honored are still alive.
Read more at The Washington Post.
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