The city of Batavia presented Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia the key to the city on Tuesday. 

Bellavia thanked loved ones and the community for its support. 

“This nation has the best hope for world peace and understanding America’s future is every quite secure. I ask you to be a part of the greatest force of good that God has ever created- join the United States military and use your gifts for our common defense,” Bellavia said.

“We don’t do it for wars. We don’t do it for keys to the city. By the way, if any veteran gets locked out of Batavia, we now have a key,” he joked.

President Trump awarded Staff Sgt. Bellavia the nation's highest military honor last month for his heroic acts during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, Bellavia's army platoon was pinned down in Fallujah, and most of his squad was trapped in a house. He fought off several enemy soldiers so his squad could escape.

Bellavia is the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the Medal of Honor.