Five blocks south, as Canal Walk turns west, the National Medal of Honor Memorial site can be seen directly across the water from the Indiana State Museum. Nestled between White River State Park and Military Park, this 1999 memorial honors all United States Medal of Honor recipients, the first of its kind in the nation. From the artistry of Ann Reed and Eric Fulford, the unique green-backed glass and steel walls are etched with the names of all honorees. Awarded by the President, on behalf of Congress, the Medal of Honor is bestowed on those military personnel who portray distinguished service, without regard for rank. The Medal of Honor is the highest award given for military service. 3525 medals have been awarded since their inception during the Civil War. In a continuing effort to correct an injustice, and secure honors for African American soldiers who were denied medals because of race, advocates continue to seek the awards for those deserving recognition. A Star and Stripes article from September of this year cites the story of Captain Waverly B. Woodson, who served in both World War II and the Korean War.[1] To date, Woodson, an African American soldier, has been awarded both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Although Woodson passed away in 2005, supporters continue to push for a posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to recognize his service as a medic on Omaha Beach, on D-Day.
[1] Steve Benyon, “Lawmakers push for long-sought D-Day medal of Honor for Black D-Day hero Woodson,” Stars and Stripes, September 8, 2020, Accessed September 9, 2020. https://www.stripes.com/news/europe/lawmakers-push-for-long-sought-medal-of-honor-for-black-d-day-hero-woodson-1.644302.