Bedford Man Nominated for Prestigious Honor

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau there are just under 314 million people populating the United States of America.

Of that number, 23 citizens – ranging in age from 6 to 91 – have been nominated by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation as one of the nation's top citizens.

One is from New Hampshire.

Paul Moore of Bedford – who was one of Gov. John Lynch’s six nominees to serve on the state’s circuit courts last year – organized a continuous effort to send supplies and care packages to troops, schools and orphanages in Iraq and Afghanistan. His effort has been appropriately dubbed “Moore Mart”.

Moore was recognized by across the aisle Monday as both U.S. Senators from New Hampshire passed along congratulations.

“This prestigious recognition is a testament to Paul’s exceptional dedication to supporting our servicemen and women," said Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R).  "I commend Paul for his service to our troops and I join all Granite Staters in applauding this well-deserved honor.” 

Likewise, Democrat Jeanne Shaheen passed along kudos through her Twitter account:

Big congrats to Paul Moore of Bedford - a finalist for Congressional Medal of Honor Service award for service as part of #MooreMart!

 The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, Monday, released the following statement:

WASHINGTON, February 25, 2012 – They’ve gone above and beyond for their fellow man in some extraordinary way – saving a life in a single instance of bravery, or bettering their community with ongoing selfless service.  Today, the Foundation representing our nation’s greatest war heroes, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, is recognizing these unsung heroes. 

A total of 23 Americans have been named as finalists in the Citizen Service Before Self Honors (CSBSH) - a program that collected hundreds of nominations for citizen heroes throughout the U. S. from September through December of last year.  A judging process including Medal of Honor representation has selected the top hero stories.

The finalists range from a 6-year-old boy to a 91-year-old man, and their heroic acts took many forms—daring water rescues, fires rescues, a lifesaving organ transplant, and a foiled kidnapping, are just a few of the stories. Although heroic acts occurred across the nation, this year’s finalists hail from 13 states;

California topped the list with five hero finalists. Three of the heroes recognized are New York residents, with all assisting in Hurricane Sandy rescues or relief efforts.

All 23 finalists now enter the next phase of judging to select four ultimate Citizen Heroes to receive special medals for their service. These four Honorees will be announced on March 11, and awarded at a ceremony on National Medal of Honor Day on March 25^that Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Medal of Honor recipients will present the Citizen Honorees with their awards. 

States with finalists include: 

California,

New York,

Louisiana,

Texas,

Idaho,

New Jersey,

Nebraska,

Texas,

Florida,

Nevada,

North Carolina,

New Hampshire 

Massachusetts

(More information on finalists at www.csbsh.org.)

Nominations were made by Members of Congress, police and fire officials, mayors, governors and ordinary citizens. 

Nominations for heroes surrounding the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in December are being handled separately later this year.