Construction has started on the National Medal of Honor Museum in the Arlington Entertainment District. The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation chose Arlington over Washington DC, New York, Denver, and San Diego in 2019.
The museum is expected to cost $150 million and will include information about all 3,525 people who have received the Medal of Honor since it was authorized in 1861. The museum will also include a leadership institute and education center.
"By shining a spotlight on the Medal of Honor and distinguished recipients who received it, the values they lived for and, in many cases, died for, visitors will come to understand the meaning and price of freedom," Army General and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said at the groundbreaking on Friday.
Former President George W. Bush attended the groundbreaking, saying the museum can help people gain a better understanding of how service members' sacrifice allows freedom. He says Medal of Honor recipients show "courage so great, no one could rightly expect to muster."
"You're looking at someone who understands the meaning of sacrifice in the most profound way. You're looking at a person of integrity, fortitude and patriotism," the former president said. "You're looking at honor, and these values must be preserved, protected and passed on to future generations."
LISTEN TO 1080 KRLD FOR LATEST NEWS, WEATHER & TRAFFIC.
Bush said the museum will help tell the stories of those who have earned the medal, many of whom were awarded the medal posthumously.
"During these turbulent times, people ask me if I'm worried. My answer is, 'no,'" Bush said. "I'm optimistic about the future because as long as we emulate the virtue and character of the people we honor, we're going to be just fine."
Patrick Brady received the Medal of Honor as a pilot in Vietnam. While commanding an ambulance helicopter, the Army says he went behind enemy lines to rescue wounded men.
"We don't believe we did America a favor by our service and sacrifice. We believe God did us a favor by allowing us to be born in this great country," Bush said
Fifteen Medal of Honor recipients attended the groundbreaking Friday, each bringing a vial of dirt from their home state to pour at the site.
Brady said he attended an event in Oklahoma, speaking to students with Webster Anderson, a Medal of Honor recipient who died in 2003. Anderson had lost both legs and one arm in Vietnam.
"One young man raised his hand, and he says, 'Mr. Anderson, knowing what you know now, that it would cost you two legs and one arm, would you do it again?' He says, 'Young man, I've only got one arm left, but my country can have it any time they want," Brady said. "If that didn't embed in those young people what patriotism is all about, I don't know what will."
The National Medal of Honor Museum is being built near Nolan Ryan Expressway and AT&T Way. The museum should open in 2024.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD