National Medal of Honor Museum Breaks Ground

An inspiring ceremony kicked off construction on the National Medal of Honor Museum, in Arlington, Texas, which will showcase the stories of the 3,530 American servicemembers who have received the highest military decoration for valor in combat.​

“The groundbreaking ceremony will be the culmination of a tremendous amount of amazing work and the beginning of an exciting new phase. We are one step closer to making a museum for all Americans to learn from the Medal of Honor a reality,” said Chris Cassidy, president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, ahead of the March 25 groundbreaking.​

The foundation consulted the 66 living Medal of Honor recipients to help plan the museum. Sixteen of them were present at the groundbreaking ceremony — which, appropriately, took place on National Medal of Honor Day — representing those who served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.​

What to expect ​​

At 35,000 square feet, the building, expected to open in late 2024, will have enough room to celebrate every branch of the military through all generations of service. The space will be divided into 13 different galleries that will feature visuals and other objects and mementos to tell the stories of the medal recipients.​

“​​We’ll certainly have the medals themselves, but those don’t tell the whole story,” said Cassidy.​

Rafael Viñoly Architects

One recipient, Joe Foss, went on to become the first commissioner of the American Football League, the predecessor to the AFC in the National Football League. To help tell his post-service story, the museum will display a football he signed in the 1960s.​

Although much of the space is still in development, visitors will be able to learn about each veteran before, during and after their service through interactive experiences.