Medal of Honor Recipients Reflect, Remember During Historic Four-Day Convention
Recipients Convened in Gettysburg on the 150th Anniversary of the Medal of Honor
GETTYSBURG, Pa., Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Society's annual convention wrapped up Sunday, Sept. 22 after nearly 50 Medal of Honor recipients spent four days reuniting. Recipients of the United States' highest medal for valor traveled from across the country to share their unique bond of heroism, sacrifice and patriotism; pay tribute to those who have gone before them; and welcome new recipients from recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"It is important to remember our history, and to remember those who fought for the liberties that many of us take for granted," said Robert J. Monahan, president and CEO of the convention. "As the location of one of the most crucial turning points in the evolution of our nation, Gettysburg inherently has the historic significance to host this 150th milestone for our soldiers."
The convention included public and private activities for Medal of Honor recipients, including a battlefield concert featuring the "President's Own" United States Marine Corps band; a town hall forum featuring the recipients at Gettysburg College hosted by Fox News' Chris Wallace; and the Patriot Award Dinner. The Award Dinner brought together supporters, national media, entertainment personalities and leaders in business, communities and government to commend four individuals who exemplify the values and principles of the Society and the nation: retired U.S. Army General Peter W. Chiarelli, NFL Hall of Fame member Nicholas A. Buoniconti, military photojournalist Timothy Hetherington (posthumously), and renowned actor Tom Selleck.
Photos:
Medal of Honor Gettysburg Town Hall
Concert on the Gettysburg Battlefield
Patriot Awards Dinner
"This convention was an opportunity to not only gather together as brothers-in-arms, but to also recognize the historical significance of the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg and the founding of the Medal of Honor," said retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Harold (Hal) Arthur Fritz, Medal of Honor recipient (Vietnam War) and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. "As time passes and we see the number of recipients dwindle with each passing year, it becomes increasingly important to meet and honor the legacy of the Medal and our comrades who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms."
The convention was more than an occasion to remember; it was also an opportunity to teach the next generation the core values of our nation. The Medal of Honor recipients visited local Middle and High Schools as part of the Society's Character Development Program, which educates students about the values rooted in the Medal of Honor: courage, integrity, sacrifice, commitment, citizenship and patriotism.
Photos:
Gettysburg School Visits
The convention concluded with the passing of the Medal of Honor flag to the Medal of Honor Foundation's Knoxville, Tennessee delegation, who will host the convention in 2014.
About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention is an annual gathering of members of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society – the only organization consisting exclusively of recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States for valor in combat. The Convention honors Medal of Honor recipients and promotes the Medal's values of courage, sacrifice, service and patriotism. Learn more about the 2013 convention at www.cmoh2013.org.
SOURCE Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention
Share this article