On a recent day aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, a U.S. Army veteran strolled by a family touring the historic aircraft carrier at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

This veteran wore a casual golf shirt with a very special accessory–the Medal of Honor. The blue ribbon around his collar stood out, and the father in this family was eager to point it out to his children. After all, it’s not every day that you see a Medal of Honor in person, let alone the Recipient of one at the same time!

The veteran was Leroy Petry, the president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society–one of the most unique nonprofit organizations in the country.

What Is the Congressional Medal of Honor Society?

The Society is headquartered on the Yorktown adjacent to the Medal of Honor Museum, which as part of Public Law 106-83 was designated as one of three national Medal of Honor sites. It is a membership organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor and inspiring Americans through education, outreach and preservation programs. Its members? The 66 living Medal of Honor Recipients.

Though founded by Congress in 1958, the Society does not receive any government funding. Instead it relies on the donations of individuals and organizations who believe in the impact that Medal of Honor Recipients and the stories of their valor, sacrifice and service can have on all Americans. And this is why you should think of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society on Nov. 30, #GivingTuesday.

What Is Unique about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society?

Not only does the Society distinguish itself through its elite membership–the recipients of our country’s highest military award for military valor–it is also special because of its mission. Each day the Society seeks to make a positive impact on the American public by telling the stories of 3,508 Medal of Honor Recipients spanning from the Civil War to the War on Terrorism while also promoting the values that these Medals and the actions behind them represent–courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism, and citizenship–placing it at the crossroads of American history, military history, civics and culture.

How does it do this? Traveling the country to meet with civilian and military audiences. Assisting numerous organizations dedicated to the support of veterans.  Bringing a character-based curriculum to schools for free and preserving and sharing the stories and artefacts of the Medal of Honor history and artifacts to sustain their relevance and importance.

How Do I Donate to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society?

When you give, your donations will help Medal of Honor Recipients continue to sustain the relevance of this important piece of our country’s history and values. You can learn more about the Recipients’ programs and efforts on the Society’s website: cmohs.org.  While you’re exploring the stories, history and lesson, please consider clicking the “donate” button at the top of the page to make a donation for #GivingTuesday!

Honoring the Sacrifice and Inspiring the Future at the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in action. First signed into law in 1861 during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor has 3,508 Recipients. The Medal is a distinguished award, presented to those who have shown gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of their lives, above and beyond the call of duty.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s mission is to preserve the legacy of the Medal of Honor and its Recipients, inspire America and its veterans, and connect with communities across the country. Its programs are designed to carry out this mission in four key ways: Educate; Connect; Inspire; Preserve.

EDUCATE

The Society empowers youth and adults to be worthy citizens of our country. Through education and informational initiatives, the Society shares valuable knowledge about the Medal of Honor and its Recipients and challenges each person to live the values of the Medal of Honor courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism, and citizenship.

Medal of Honor Character Development Program

Engaging, no-cost, character-based curriculum designed by teachers to provide students with the opportunity to explore the important concepts of courage, commitment, sacrifice, patriotism, integrity and citizenship and how these values can be exemplified in daily life. Lessons and activities focus on a wide range of subjects and show how everyday people can make a difference.

Medal of Honor Recipient Database: An online searchable database that is full of information including Recipients’ citations database and select oral histories, installed in museums across the country.

Scholarships: Higher education scholarships provided annually to veterans and children of Recipients.

Book Distribution: Distributed to schools, businesses and individuals, our books include Medal of Honor Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty and Choosing Courage Inspiring True Stories of What It Means to Be A Hero.

CONNECT

Through Society Outreach initiatives, Recipients connect with audiences across the country. The veterans, community groups, and young people who hear their stories are challenged and inspired to carry the values into their own communities.

Valor Outreach Program: Medal of Honor Recipients continue to serve by connecting with their communities, veterans, and youth. These groups are welcome to reach out to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society headquarters when looking to connect with a Recipient. Whether it is a letter or e-mail, an invitation to an event, or a simple question, there are multiple ways to reach out. The Society will pass along any correspondence to the Recipients and answer any questions you may have about the Medal of Honor itself.

Annual Society Conventions: Once yearly, the Society provides opportunities for Recipients to reconnect and remember those who have passed while conducting Society business and engaging with the local community.

INSPIRE

By encouraging all Americans to put the Medal of Honor values into action, and by recognizing those who do, the Society shines a light on those who are impacting our communities in positive ways and inspiring others.

Citizens Honors Awards for Valor and Service: Whether they happen in a single instance of bravery or through continued service to others, acts of courage and self-sacrifice symbolize the American spirit—and are recognized every year by our nation’s greatest heroes through the Citizen Honors Awards.

Society Awards: Honor individuals who are dedicated to freedom and Medal of Honor ideals. These include the Patriot Award, the Distinguished Citizen Award, the John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism, and the Bob Hope Award for Entertainment.

PRESERVE

The Society protects and preserves the Medal of Honor, its dignity, and its history. By maintaining a museum, library, archives, research collection and multimedia library dedicated to the Medal of Honor and its Recipients, recording and collecting oral histories, and sharing these resources with researchers and the general public, the Society plays an integral role in ensuring the stories of the Recipients are never forgotten.

Archives & Museum: Preserving the legacy of those who have come before, the Society’s Archives & Museum serve as a repository for information and artifacts related to the Medal of Honor and its Recipients. Located at Society headquarters in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, the collections serve as our nation’s research institution for the Medal.

SUPPORT

By providing programs and activities to meet physical, social and mental health concerns, Recipients are supported in their capabilities to continue the Society’s mission through their work and outreach.

Medal of Honor Recipient Healthcare and Advocacy Program: Fulfilling the Society’s priority to support the well-being of Recipients and their families, a dedicated health care professional provides guidance in navigating medical concerns and benefit maximization. This program includes education and counsel, care coordination, research and facilitates access to the best resourced available to maintain Recipients’ highest level of individual wellness.

Travel & Hospitality Management: Facilitates the Recipients’ travel needs so that they can fulfill their continuing service to the nation. Addresses their needs in air travel, accommodation, and ground transportation.