The Medal of Honor is the highest award presented to American military members who distinguished themselves by Acts of Valor in combat. Across the country people are celebrating Congressional Medal of Honor Day. 

A ceremony was held on Monday morning at the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home.

Three individuals were honored. The first was Lt. Sylvester Hopkins Martin, he served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War and he is from Chester County, Pa.

Staff Sergeant John Gertsch from Jersey City, New Jersey was the second American military member honored, he was killed in action during the Vietnam War.

And finally, Private First Class Ross McGinnis, who grew up in Meadville, Pa. received the Medal of Honor. 

He was killed in action in December of 2006, when he gave up his life to protect other U.S. soldiers. McGinnis covered a live grenade, saving four men from an explosion.

His parents were present at the ceremony on Monday morning. 

"It's very special, we've had tons of ceremonies, but this is Pennsylvania, this is Erie," said Romayne McGinnis. "So it means a lot." 

Of the 40 million Americans who have served in the armed forces since the Civil War, 3,517 have earned the Medal of Honor