The National Medal of Honor Museum received a historic $20 million donation Thursday from Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones.
“Anyone who is successful in business has at times stood on the shoulders of others,” said Jones in a release. “Never in my life have I had the opportunity to stand beside those who have given so much for the defense of freedom and our way of life. Medal of Honor recipients represent the very best of America and the values to which all heroes aspire. Supporting this project is a privilege.”
The donation came on National Medal of Honor Day, which recognizes the heroism and sacrifice of those who have been awarded the nation’s highest award for valor in combat: the Medal of Honor.
The official day of recognition was designated by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1991, marking the day the very first Medals of Honor were awarded in 1863 during the Civil War.
According to the release, the contribution brings the museum one step closer to beginning construction in Arlington, Texas, in the next year and opening its doors in 2024. The National Medal of Honor Monument Act currently moving through Congress is another key component of this project.
With the donation from the Jones family, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation has surpassed $70 million in total funds raised to bring the project to life.
Jones’ daughter, Charlotte Jones, executive vice president and chief brand officer for the Cowboys, serves as the museum’s chairman of the board.
At 3:25 CST, the NMOHMF will be holding the second-ever Moment of Honor, encouraging all Americans to join the museum for a moment of quiet reflection. on the bravery of those who have given so much for their country. Across the country, governors from 16 states are joining in observing the day and have issued proclamations to mark Medal of Honor Day.
“National Medal of Honor Day is a time for all Americans to come together and reflect upon the actions of our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients, as well as the values they represent – courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship and patriotism. Now more than ever, it is important to take a moment to give thanks to those who have given so much in defense of our way of life and those who continue to serve our nation,” said NMOHMF CEO James T. Connors.
Today also marks the last day Americans may participate in the fifth annual Medal of Honor Mail Call, a program with Janine Stange to share personal letters of gratitude with the nation’s 69 living Medal recipients.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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