On Monday, a host of formal and not-so formal events will be held immediately following President Obama's official inauguration ceremony, one of the most prestigious events is the American Legion’s Salute to Heroes Ball.
The event is held to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of those U.S. service members who have received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration.
On Friday, Military.com confirmed with the White House that President Obama would not be attending the ball.
See the Obama's inaugural official schedule...
It will be the second time the Obamas saw fit to skip the event, as they did not attend in 2009 either, when Obama became the first president to miss the Heroes Ball since the event began in 1953.
As is tradition, invitations are sent to every living MOH recipient, and 25 are scheduled to attend this year's event.
According to the American Legion, the following MOH recipients who will be attending:
Afghanistan
-Salvatore Giunta
-Leroy Petry
Vietnam War
-John Baca
-Donald Ballard
-Gary Beikirch
-Patrick Brady
-Sammy Davis
-Roger Donlon
-Harold Fritz
-Joe Jackson
-Jack Jacobs
-Walter Marm Jr.
-Thomas Norris
-Robert O’Malley
-Robert Patterson
-Alfred Rascon
-Ronald Ray
-Gordon Roberts
-James Sprayberry
-Kenneth Stumpf
-Brian Thacker
Korean War
-Thomas Hudner
-Ronald Rosser
World War II
-Walter Ehlers
-Hershel Williams
Of course, it is not out of character for Obama to skip events that honor America's most proud traditions...
In 2010, Obama decided to skip the annual Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and instead, go on another vacation, this time to Chicago. In doing so, he became the first president to break the tradition since the country began honoring its veterans with the national holiday.
He laid no wreath at the at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, he did not meet with the Gold Star Mothers nor did he lead the nation in a day of remembrance for those whose sacrifice make it possible for the rest of us to live in freedom.
Obama, instead, attended several private parties with his old Chicago friends. He did however, return to Washington in time to attend the Paul McCartney concert.
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