Medal of Honor Grove
The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest distinction awarded to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. It is presented by the President, in the name of Congress, and is earned by a deed of personal bravery and self sacrifice “above and beyond the call of duty.”
Medal of Honor Grove
In keeping with the mission and traditions associated with an organization dedicated to responsible citizenship, character and freedom, the leadership of freedoms Foundation established the nation’s only living testimony dedicated to recipients of the nation’s highest award for valor.
Click here to download Medal of
Honor Grove Map
Today, the Medal of Honor Grove and archives is a living monument to honor these heroes and to teach young people the sacrifices that have been made for our country and our freedom. It is dramatic testimony to the fact that freedom is never free and often times requires defending with extraordinary measures.
Conceived as an idea in 1942, the Medal of Honor Grove located on the campus of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is a 520 acre woodland honoring all those awarded our nation’s highest award for valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor. A one-acre area is dedicated to each of the 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The focal point of each area is an obelisk patterned after the Washington Monument, adorned with the state seal, dedication plaque and a list of Medal of Honor recipients accredited to that state. Within the state area, in most cases, a tree marker is placed beside a planting for each recipient with the name, rank, unit, date and place of action of the recipient.
All 52 acres were dedicated during formal ceremonies attended by the State’s Governor, Lieutenant Governor or U.S. Senator. Most states held their dedication ceremony with a fiberglass obelisk. To date, 26 states have placed granite or marble obelisks in their areas, most using stone native to their state or area.
Medal of Honor Grove Archives
Located in the Henry Knox Building is the Medal of Honor archives which include a chronicle of each recipient’s act of heroism and feature historic materials on the medal’s evolution since it was first established by the U.S. Congress in 1861. For 16 years the archives were developed through the tireless efforts of Sister Maria Veronica who worked as national archivist until her retirement in 1987. LTC Harriet Neimes, ANC (Ret), picked up where Sister Veronica left off and continued to research and develop the archives which contain the best collection in the country of Medal of Honor recipients’ photos, newspaper clippings, dedication programs and press releases.
America’s Walk of Honor
Dedicated in April 1997, America’s Walk of Honor provides an opportunity for thousands of Americans to help recognize and support the nation’s Medal of Honor Grove. The Walk of Honor leads thousands of visitors into and through the Medal of Honor Grove which is alive with the stories, emotions and triumphs of freedom. Famous American artist Peter Max designed the first stone on America’s Walk of Honor. His images of Liberty and America have become symbols of this nation here and abroad.
For more information on how you can help preserve the nation’s Medal of Honor Grove to keep stories of these heroes alive, please contact the Development Office at 610-933-8825 ext. 210, or via e-mail at
ffvf@ffvf.org.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Medal of Honor:
