After years of meticulous planning and dedication, the National Medal of Honor Museum is officially opening its doors to the public on Tuesday, March 25, marking a historic moment in the preservation of American military valor.
The highly anticipated opening follows a grand celebration on Saturday, March 22, where Medal of Honor recipients, dignitaries, and patriotic Americans gathered for an evening of speeches, musical performances, and fireworks. Among the notable attendees were Texas Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, as well as former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, who performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
A Monument to Courage and Sacrifice
Chris Cassidy, the museum’s President and CEO, emphasized the significance of honoring the bravery and selflessness of Medal of Honor recipients.
“In an evening filled with fireworks, nothing will shine brighter than the Medal of Honor recipients,” Cassidy said. “It is because of their service and sacrifice that we can gather for celebrations like these. I am so proud to open our doors and share their stories of courage, commitment, and selflessness with the nation.”
Several political leaders also participated in the event, with recorded messages from U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, along with Congressmen Roger Williams and Brandon Gill, highlighting the museum’s role in educating future generations about the cost of freedom.
A Long-Awaited Vision Becomes Reality
The museum’s journey began in 2019, when the concept was first announced. Former U.S. Congressman Ron Wright, who played a key role in securing Arlington as the museum’s location before his passing in 2021, expressed pride in bringing the institution to Texas.
“I believe the Museum Foundation Board of Directors made an excellent decision to put it in the middle of the country. Texas is very patriotic. We love the military, veterans, and the ideals upon which this country is founded,” Wright told The Texan in 2019.
After an official groundbreaking on March 25, 2022, construction moved forward, culminating in the state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot facility that stands today. The museum houses 31,000 square feet of exhibits, along with dedicated classroom and ceremonial spaces.
General Mark Milley, then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, stressing the importance of preserving these stories of heroism:
“These stories of heroism, service, and valor must be shared, and that’s exactly what this museum will do. This museum is a monument to the very best of our country.”
A Tribute to the Nation’s Bravest
Since its inception during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to 3,526 individuals for acts of extraordinary bravery in combat. Today, only 61 of those recipients remain alive. The museum seeks to ensure that their legacy—and that of those who came before them—is never forgotten.
The museum’s opening exhibits feature 341 Medal of Honor recipients. While representation is proportional to the number of honorees from each branch of the military, the U.S. Army, which has the highest number of recipients, is most prominently featured. The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force, having fewer recipients in total, have smaller but equally significant exhibits.
A Place to Reflect and Learn
More than just a collection of historical artifacts, the museum aims to be an immersive experience, allowing visitors to engage with stories of sacrifice and heroism through cutting-edge exhibits and educational programs. The space will also host special events, ceremonies, and discussions to inspire visitors with the values of courage, patriotism, and selflessness.
As the doors open to the public, the National Medal of Honor Museum stands as a powerful testament to the bravery of those who went above and beyond the call of duty. In the heart of Texas, this institution now serves as a permanent tribute to America’s heroes, ensuring that their legacy will continue to educate and inspire generations to come.
