The National Medal of Honor Museum officially opened on March 25, 2025, after a vibrant public celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony held on March 22, attended by 32 Medal of Honor recipients and distinguished guests. The event resonated with patriotic fervor, highlighted by a dazzling display of fireworks and drones in a performance called the “Mission to Inspire Spectacular.” The spectacular show included video presentations and musical arrangements that transformed the Arlington, Texas, sky into a celebration of valor.
Chris Cassidy, President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, expressed the essence of the event, stating, “In an evening filled with fireworks, nothing will shine brighter than the Medal of Honor recipients. It’s because of their service and sacrifice that we can gather for celebrations like these. I’m so proud to open our doors and share their stories of courage, commitment, and selflessness with the nation.”
This milestone in honoring American heroes comes after three years of intensive construction aimed at creating a museum not just as a repository of military history, but as a living narrative of courage and sacrifice. “Cutting the ribbon to open the National Medal of Honor Museum will be the realization of a long-awaited moment,” said U.S. Army Major Gen. (Ret.) Patrick H. Brady, a Medal of Honor recipient and board member of the museum foundation. He added, “After decades of dreams, the Medal of Honor and its recipients will now have a proper home, where the values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism will be preserved and shared with future generations.”
The opening of the museum is particularly poignant given the fact that only 61 Medal of Honor recipients are alive today, out of fewer than 4,000 individuals who have ever earned this prestigious medal from the 40 million Americans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The celebration featured notable figures such as the former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, alongside prominent celebrities and sports personalities like NBC TODAY Show anchor Savannah Guthrie, musician Lee Greenwood, and Dallas Cowboys' stars including Dak Prescott. Greenwood performed his iconic song “God Bless the USA,” adding to the celebratory ambiance.
The museum itself is designed to immerse visitors in the extraordinary lives of Medal of Honor recipients through innovative exhibits and storytelling techniques. It features 31,000 square feet dedicated to artifacts, interviews, and personal stories, creating a space that emphasizes that bravery extends beyond military service. Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer of the Dallas Cowboys and the museum’s chair, emphasized the museum’s educational purpose, stating, “Your stories will now come to life for generations of visitors, inspiring them to act with courage in their own communities.”
The facility encompasses over 100,000 square feet, including classrooms, meeting spaces, memorial areas, and a leadership institute named after philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin aimed at helping people embody the values of the Medal of Honor.
In building momentum for this project, Charlotte Jones played a pivotal role. She was instrumental in convincing the National Medal of Honor Foundation to select Arlington as the site for the museum. Four years ago, she successfully secured the bid during a meeting with local officials and foundation representatives. Underscoring her commitment, she promised a significant donation of $20 million, contributing to a total fundraising effort that reached $70 million for the museum’s construction.
The public opening of the museum stands as a tribute to the heroes who have risked their lives for their country. The event brought together notable figures from various sectors, showcasing the collaboration between sports, government, and local communities in celebrating military service. “These are the best of the best, the best of America,” said Senator John Cornyn at the event, highlighting the significance of the Medal of Honor recipients and their contributions.
With interactive exhibits, including a fully restored Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter—a centerpiece of the museum—visitors are encouraged to engage deeply with the legacy of valor represented by the Medal of Honor. The aim is to ensure that the heroic narratives of the past continue to ignite inspiration and unity among present and future generations.
As the celebration wound down, the atmosphere remained charged with excitement for the museum’s future. A recording of the events is available on the museum’s website, allowing more people to participate in the story of this landmark institution dedicated to honoring those who have served selflessly in the U.S. Armed Forces.
