'Bravery is Amazing': Trump speaks at Medal of Honor Ceremony

US President Donald Trump adddressed a press conference in the White House to honour past American heroes on Monday. At a 'Medal of Honor' Ceremony organised in the White House, Washington DC, the US president announced the names of American soldiers who will receive the honour. The Medal of Honor Ceremony comes at a time when US military is engaged in an ongoing offensive, alongside Israel, against Iran.

The 47th American president awarded the Medal of Honor to three US Army soldiers, celebrating heroes of old wars as he defended his launch of the current one against Iran:

• Retired Command Sgt Maj Terry P Richardson: For his actions during the Vietnam War
• Staff Sgt Michael H Ollis: For his role in the Afghanistan war
• Master Sgt Roderick W Edmonds: For his leadership and resistance as a prisoner of war in Germany during WWII

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Here are highlights of what the US president said:

• No other ceremony can be more important than this
• Today, US military continues to carry out a large-scale mission in Iran
• We have the strongest military in the world
• We will easily prevail
• Bravery is amazing
• You never really know who is brave and who is not until they’re tested

Over the weekend, Israel and the United States' joint strikes against Tehran killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering Iranian retaliation that continue to rattle the Gulf. On Sunday, Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes against Tehran, stating that it planned to dominate the skies after killing Khamenei and leaving the Islamic Republic scrambling to rebuild its leadership.

Khamenei's death has prompted both celebrations and protests around the world.

What is the US Medal of Honor? Who announces it and who awards it?

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the US government.

The medal recognises members of the American armed forces -- three versions exist, one each for the Army, the Navy and the Air Force -- who have displayed their ability and courage to keep the call of duty in combat above the risk of life.

The Medal of Honor is formally announced and presented by the American president at a special ceremony -- usually held at the White House.

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject:

Is Medal of Honour always awarded posthumously?

No. The award is presented both the martyred and the living.

Where was the latest Medal of Honor ceremony held?

The ceremony took place at the White House in Washington DC.

Who were the soldiers honoured at the latest ceremony?

Retired Command Sgt Maj Terry P Richardson, Staff Sgt Michael H Ollis, and Master Sgt Roderick W Edmonds were awarded the Medal of Honor.

How many versions of the Medal of Honor exist?

There are three versions -- one each for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

What did the US president say about the US military?

He said the United States has the strongest military in the world and will easily prevail in its ongoing mission.

What broader geopolitical context surrounded the ceremony?

The ceremony came as US forces, alongside Israel, were engaged in operations against Iran, following reported joint strikes on Tehran and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader.