StarTribune.com
hero032609

Home | Politically Connected | State Politics | The I-35W bridge collapse

A local hero among our nation's greatest

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Jeremy Hernandez will receive a civilian version of the Medal of Honor for his heroism after the 35W bridge collapsed, right.

Last update: March 26, 2009 - 12:10 PM

Minneapolis youth worker Jeremy Hernandez, a hero of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse, was given one of three Above and Beyond Citizen Honors awarded by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.

In a ceremony Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery, Hernandez, 22, said he accepted the award "on behalf of my community." He is the second Twin Cities resident to receive the national award for his actions on behalf of survivors of the 2007 bridge disaster.

A youth worker at the Waite House in Minneapolis, Hernandez was credited with evacuating more than 50 children from a school bus that went down with the bridge.

The ceremony followed a wreath-laying by President Obama on behalf of the winners of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor. Thirty-six of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients were on hand for the ceremony, and some took part in the civilian ceremony as well.

Hernandez, who witnessed the president's unannounced arrival, said he was humbled by the Medal of Honor winners.

"Being around people who have received the Medal of Honor in war means a lot to me," he said. "They've gone through a lot more than I have."

KEVIN DIAZ

Recent State Politics stories

Legal fees the latest battle in case that alleged payments to Coleman - March 26, 2009
Legal fees the latest battle in case that alleged payments to Coleman - A high-bucks battle over legal fees has reinvigorated a case that roiled Minnesota's 2008 Senate race. More

Comment on this story   |   Read all 6 comments   |  Hide reader comments


Subscribe

Current state office holders

Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.

Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.

Homes

Find Your Next Home

Search realtor represented & for sale by owner homes in the Twin Cities. Plus, find open house listings.

Win tickets to The Midnight Movie Society's screening of "Clue" at Red Stag Supperclub.

Vita.mn and DJ Jake Rudh present the first meeting of The Midnight Movie Society at Red Stag Supperclub on Dec. 4, with drinking, dancing and a midnight screening of cult-classic film, "Clue."

See all contests