The 2023 Medal of Honor Medal of Honor Convention has come to a close, and we are reflecting on the many opportunities the Medal of Honor Recipients had to connect with the people of New Orleans and celebrate individuals who have shown the Medal of Honor values in their own lives. Here is a look at the events that took place last week. 

New Orleans Outreach

Throughout the week, Recipients participated in outreach events across greater New Orleans. After kicking off the week with the Medal of Honor Community Forum at the National World War II Museum, Recipients spent time in schools across the area including Warren Easton High School, Jefferson Parish Schools, St. Augustine High School, and Belle Chasse Academy. The Medal of Honor Recipients also connected with participants in the Son of a Saint program and held a forum for students from New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy, Holy Cross, and Jefferson Parish Schools, which was also streamed live for students across the country.  

 Recipients had the chance to speak with ROTC students at Tulane University, visit with veterans and service members at New Orleans VA Medical Center, and connect with veterans at Michoud NASA Facility.   

Our 2023 convention hosts, the National World War II Museum, coordinated a number of exciting events to give the Recipients a taste of New Orleans, including a parade to Mardi Gras World and opportunities to sample the wonderful local cuisine.  

This year’s convention also allowed the Recipients to help the National World War II Museum celebrate the opening of its newest permanent exhibit hall, the Liberation Pavilion, and dedicate the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on the Museum’s campus.  

The Family and Military Appreciation Block Party allowed the whole New Orleans community to join the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the National WWII Museum for activities and performances.  

Society Business 

The 2023 Convention also provided the Recipients with time to reconnect and remember those who have passed while also conducting important Society business. The Memorial Service honored the Recipients who passed away since the last convention. The Society board and full membership met to determine the direction for the Society in 2024 and beyond.  

 Additionally, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society used the time in New Orleans to capture the stories of Medal of Honor Recipients to add to our growing archive of videos. We are excited to share these projects soon.  

Patriot Award Gala 

To cap off the week, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society hosted the 2023 Patriot Award Gala, honoring Paul Hilliard, Tom Hanks, Robin Roberts, and Wendell Pierce for their life’s work promoting the values of the United States and the Medal of Honor. Our thanks to the Olde School Blazer Company for providing the Medal of Honor tartan blazers for the Recipients to wear during this year’s gala.   

Thank You to Our Sponsors 

The 2023 Convention would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors, especially the Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation. And we are also grateful to the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Ochsner Heath Medical Team for their work to help make the Convention a success. Thank you all for making this year’s events possible.  

To stay up to date on upcoming events, special announcements, and stories of Medal of Honor Recipients, sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.