WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is presenting 24 Medals of Honor in a rare ceremony meant to commemorate acts of bravery that the government concluded should have been recognized a long time ago.
Obama says, quote, "Today we have the chance to set the record straight."
The recipients span three wars, from World War II to Korea to Vietnam. Only three are still alive.
The two dozen servicemen—Hispanics, Jews and African-Americans—were identified following a congressionally mandated review to ensure that recipients of the country's highest recognition for valor were not bypassed due to prejudice.
Obama says America confronts its imperfections, in his words, "including the truth that some of these soldiers fought and died for a country that did not always see them as equal."
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