I just received this news this morning, and thought I would pass it along.
Dave
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) has selected Minneapolis-St. Paul as the host community for the 2016 Medal of Honor Convention. The weeklong Convention will take place from September 26 to October 3, 2016. The convention dates were chosen to coincide with the start of October, which is Veterans’ Voices Month in Minnesota.
“On this, the federal Medal of Honor Day, we, the veterans of both political parties elected to the Minnesota legislature, are excited and honored to know that our area will be hosting the Medal of Honor annual Convention,” said State Representative Jerry Newton.
Excitement to host the convention was echoed by Rep. Bob Dettmer, Chairman of the Minnesota House of Representatives Veterans Committee. “Our community has been granted a wonderful opportunity. Paying tribute to our nation's courageous Medal of Honor recipients is a privilege. Without the sacrifice and service of our brave military men and women, our nation would not have the freedoms and liberties we all hold dear."
The MOH Convention is a multi-day celebration of the virtues and ideals that make our Nation exceptional. The agenda will feature a wide range of events, including school visits, memorial services, meet-and-greets and concerts. The week will conclude with the Patriot Awards Gala, a black-tie affair attended by upwards of 2,000 guests.
“Hosting the Medal of Honor Convention in the Twin Cities will not only be an amazing opportunity to help foster patriotism in our community, but it will also serve as a means to inspire our youth,” said Liz Dapp, who chaired the Twin Cities’ bid for the convention. “The CMOHS Foundation’s Character Development Program promotes the ideology that ‘everyone has the capacity to be a hero and the courage to do the right thing.’ Their curriculum is meant to encourage students to think of others first and to make good choices.”
“We’re very honored to have [the opportunity to host] the society here in Minnesota,” said Larry Shellito, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “I know a Medal of Honor recipient, who I went to grade school with, who made the ultimate sacrifice. So for me, hosting this event is a personal tribute to those who have made great sacrifices.”
The MOH Twin Cities Executive Committee has set a sponsorship goal of $3M. The committee has already received several pledges for sponsorship, and the host committee expects Minnesota’s sizable philanthropic and business communities will come together to show their gratitude to our nation’s greatest heroes.
About the Medal of Honor Convention
The CMOHS’s Convention and General Meeting, held annually at different host communities across the country, serves: • To further the bond of brotherhood and camaraderie among all living recipients of the Medal of Honor. • To remember in reverence and respect those who received the Medal of Honor posthumously, and those who are now deceased. • To foster patriotism and to inspire and stimulate our youth to become worthy citizens of our country. To recognize and award Patriotic Americans who promote and perpetuate the principles upon which our nation is founded through their life’s work.
About the Medal of Honor: The Medal of Honor, more commonly known as the Congressional Medal of Honor, was created in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration given by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States." In its 150+ year history, the Medal has been bestowed to fewer than 3,500 individuals. Presently, there are only 81 living recipients.