Last night I was priveledged to be at the Union League Club as approximately 50 recipients of America's highest award for valor in combat, the Medal of Honor were welcomed to Chicago for the start of the 51st Annual Congressional medal of Honor Convention.
Recipients that served in WWII, Korea, an Viet Nam were in attendance. As a Viet Nam vet, it was an emotional experience. While they would not speak about the actions that resulted in their being so honored, each of their stories was included in a handout summary and available in more detail in a coffee table book (which I could not pass up).
Those that did speak either last night or in interviews in the Sunday, September 13 newspaper indicated that while they were recognized, they carry this honor for all of those who showed similar bravery, both living and dead - they all showed humilty with pride.
One notable comment when one was asked about today's hot topic - health care was that some of the older recipients of the MofH are unable to receive VA health care because they served before the health care benefit became part of today's benefits. Now isnt't this a slap in the face.
For those of you who have the opportunity, here are some of the events throughout this week.
Wednesday 9/16 - 10AM live webcast from the Pritzker Military Library (pritzkermilitarylibrary.org) 11:30 Constitution Day Ceremony at the Daley Plaza
Thursday 9/17 - 1PM pre-game ceremony honoring recipients at Wrigley Field
Saturday 9/19 - 11AM - 2PM A Day at Cantigny
Have a great day!
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