Feature News

Events Spotlight "Commit to Courage" Theme

CHICAGO, July 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Society and 2009 Chicago Host Committee, led by honorary chair Mayor Richard M. Daley, today announced an updated series of summer events in support of the recipients convention and annual meeting to be held in Chicago, September 15-19, 2009.

"As Mayor and on behalf of Chicago's business and community leaders, we are proud to host the Medal of Honor Convention," said Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. "America is a great country, made even greater and stronger by the brave men and women who have fought for it. It's vital that we come together and honor the courageous men and women who served our country and defended the freedoms that we enjoy."

These pre-convention events are designed to raise awareness and start building excitement for the September program of public and private ceremonies that will honor over 50 recipients of the nation's highest military award.

Key lead-up events and initiatives include:

• "Illinois Heroes Across the State" Campaign: Project detailing every Medal of Honor recipient from Illinois, their hometown and branch of service to show the sacrifice that Illinoisans have made for their country
• "Committing To Courage" Exhibit: Multi-media presentation at Pritzker Military Library featuring military heroes from Illinois and across the U.S., including local Medal of Honor recipients Allen Lynch and Milton Lee Olive
• Co-sponsorship of the United States Coast Guard Concert at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Sunday, July 26
• Special showing in Grant Park of the Boeing-sponsored film, "Medal of Honor", directed by Academy-Award nominated Roger Sherman on Thursday, August 13 and introducing student essay finalists from Chicago Public Schools and JROTC Academies
• Medal of Honor Exhibit at O'Hare Airport featuring Illinois heroes
• For more information and to find out how you can get involved with this once-in-a-lifetime event, please visit http://www.cmoh2009chicago.org/.
  

About the Congressional Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor stands as the nation's highest military award presented for valor in combat. Of the estimated 42 million American's who have served this country in uniform since the Civil War, only 3,447 individuals have received the Medal of Honor and many of those were awarded posthumously. There are today fewer than 100 living recipients. These distinguished veterans have dedicated their lives to providing a better understanding to all citizens about the importance of service over self.