THE SENTINEL: In Remembrance: Marine Corporal Jason L. Dunham

On November 10, 2006, on what would have been his 25th Birthday, Marine Corporal Jason L. Dunham of Scio, New York, President George W. Bush announced that Jason would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The announcement came during the dedication of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

"Like the Marines who have come before them, this new generation has also given some of its finest men in the line of duty. One of these fine men was Jason Dunham. Jason's birthday is November the 10th, so you might say that he was born to be a Marine. And as far back as boot camp, his superiors spotted the quality that would mark this young American as an outstanding Marine: his willingness to put the needs of others before his own...

"Corporal Dunham's mom and dad are with us today on what would have been this brave young man's 25th birthday. We remember that the Marine who so freely gave his life was your beloved son. We ask a loving God to comfort you for a loss that can never be replaced. And on this special birthday, in the company of his fellow Marines, I'm proud to announce that our nation will recognize Corporal Jason Dunham's action with America's highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor.

"As long as we have Marines like Corporal Dunham, America will never fear for her liberty. And as long as we have this fine museum, America will never forget their sacrifice." President George W. Bush at the Dedication of the National Museum of the Marine Corps

At a White House ceremony on January 11, 2007, Jason's mother, Debra Dunham, accepted the Medal of Honor award for Jason and "in all the servicemen and women's names."

His father, Dan Dunham, stated, "Jason believed that all men on this earth should be free."

Americans must remember and honor its heroes. With Jason's mom we must realize that all "servicemen and women" are heroes – those who have died, those who are injured, those who continue to serve to protect our freedom.

We must NEVER forget...

"The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress, it is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor." Source Congressional Medal of Honor Society Website

READ MORE