Riley Howell (Left) and Christian Garcia (Right) are two of the Medal of Honor recipients Photo: Images provided by the honorees families / Sent to WBZ's James Rojas
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – Medal of Honor recipients are in Boston to recognize the bravery and heroism of everyday people.
Among those being recognized at the event, held Friday night at the Seaport Hotel, is Riley Howell.
Two years ago, Riley gave his life to save others during an active shooter situation at the University of North Carolina. His mother Natalie is receiving the Single Act of Heroism Award on his behalf.
Natalie said she is “proud of the fact that he stood up for others and tried to stop that deadly act.” Natalie added the incident shows equal amounts of heartbreaks and pride.
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Shannan Claussen is receiving the Young Hero Award on behalf of her son, Christian Garcia. He gave his life while saving others during an active shooter incident at Santa Fe High School in Texas.
“All he wanted to do was serve his country.” Shannan said. “He wanted to be an army ranger and that’s what he wanted to be since he was a little kid.”
Shannan added the occasion is bittersweet because Christian “was willing to sacrifice his own life for people at just 15 years old.”
Nearly half of the 67-living medal of honor recipients are attending the reception.
The ceremony is organized by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. They recognized both 2020 and 2021 honorees after last year’s ceremony was postponed.
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