Governor Larry Hogan Unveils Medal of Honor Display at the Maryland State House

Recognized Two Medal of Honor Recipients for Their Heroic Service

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan was today joined by Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr., Speaker of the House Mike Busch, veterans, and state officials with military service for the unveiling of the Medal of Honor display at the State House. Two Medal of Honor recipients, First Lieutenant Brian Thacker (Army) of Wheaton, Md. and Colonel Harvey “Barney” Barnum (Marine Corps) of Reston, Va., attended the ceremony and were recognized for their heroic service. This display recognizes Medal of Honor recipients and celebrates National Medal of Honor Day, which is recognized annually on March 25.

“Later this year, here in Annapolis, we will have the privilege to honor those American heroes who went above and beyond the call of duty,” said Governor Hogan. “The display that we are unveiling today will serve as a reminder that Maryland is proud to welcome our nation's most highly decorated military heroes to our great state, and that we are proud to honor their courage and their sacrifice.”

In December 2017, the Department of General Services (DGS) made an official request to the Marine Corps to obtain an official display version of the Medal of Honor, as it is illegal to manufacture or copy the official Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor comes in three designs – Army, Air Force, and Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard. The Marine Corps responded to DGS and generously agreed to loan a Medal of Honor in their design to display in the State House.

“As the nation’s highest military award, our department is proud to have facilitated obtaining a Medal of Honor display for our state capital,” said DGS Secretary Ellington Churchill, Jr. “All Marylanders and visitors to the State House will have the opportunity to admire the rare medal and honor those who have served our country.”

Later this year, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society is holding its 2018 national convention in Annapolis from September 12 -16. During the time of the convention, the Medal of Honor will to be on display in front of the World War I memorial outside of the House of Delegates Chamber in the Maryland State House, after which, the Medal of Honor will be returned to the Marine Corps.