The Congressional Gold Medal will be given this week to 13 Gold Star Families, including one from Missouri. The medal is the oldest and highest civilian award given in the United States, alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The families will be accepting the medal on behalf of their loved ones who were killed in the 2021 U.S. troop withdrawal in Afghanistan.
Mark Schmitz told Missourinet that he’s honored to receive the medal on behalf of his son, Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz.
“Well, it’s funny. Every time I think I’ve reached the pinnacle of being proud of my son, something like this happens,” Schmitz giggled. “It goes to a whole other level. It’s kind of an amazing feeling to feel that sense of pride for your young son that did so much in such a short time.”
Jared Schmitz, of Wentzville, was 20 years old when he was killed during a terrorist attack at an Afghanistan airport. He was evacuating Americans and allies from Afghanistan when a suicide bomber attacked the area.
Schmitz is joining a list of important people who have received this award.
“Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul, Mother Theresa, Charles Lindbergh. I believe Martin Luther King has received it as well. So, as you can see, it’s not just a military thing. But it’s for people who have done extraordinary things,” said Mark Schmitz.
Congress unanimously voted in favor of awarding the medals to the service members and their families.
“It’s taken three years because they mint each of these gold medals. It’s fully customized for that particular awardee. I’m not sure if our 13 are going to be individualized or if it’s going to be a collection of the 13 and we all get the same one,” said Schmitz.
The original one will be housed at the Smithsonian Museum and a replica will be given to each family.
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