The U.S. Congress today passed a resolution named for a Medal of Honor recipient from Iowa. All five members of Iowa’s House delegation cosponsored the measure – the Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta Medal of Honor Flag Resolution.
Last year, Giunta became the first living soldier since the Vietnam era to be awarded the nation’s highest military honor. Congressman Dave Loebsack, a Democrat from Mt. Vernon, spoke about Giunta on the House floor. “While he may not think of himself as such, to me, Sergeant Giunta is a true American hero,” Loebsack said. “He is who I want my grandkids to grow up looking up to. That is a sentiment shared by thousands of Iowans who are tremendously proud of the soldier we’ve come to think of as our hometown hero.”
The 25-year-old Giunta, who was born in Clinton and later moved with his family to Hiawatha, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in battle in Afghanistan. The resolution approved today will allow Medal of Honor recipients or their families to receive an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in the recipient’s honor and a specialized certificate.
Iowa Congressman Tom Latham, a Republican from Ames, called for support of the resolution in a speech on the House floor. “Sergeant Giunta’s service embodies the spirit of selflessness, humility and determination that Iowans are known for both in the military and in civilian life,” Latham said. “We pass this resolution as a heartfelt and profoundly sincere ‘thank you’ for those receiving the highest of honors – the Medal of Honor.”
Giunta will attend the State of the Union Address tonight as a guest of First Lady Michelle Obama and will be honored during a Capitol Hill ceremony tomorrow afternoon.