CHICAGO HOSTS THE MEDAL OF HONOR CONVENTION THIS WEEK

A Medal of Honor is exceptional.

First of all, it is our nation's highest military award presented for valor in combat. 

Exceptional for this reason.  Just consider the numbers.

About 42 million Americans have served our country.  Only 3,447 have received the Medal of Honor, and most of them died during their last heroic act.

The Medal of Honor "stands above all others and is emblematic of America's ideals of courage, sacrifice and patriotism," said Col. Robert Howard, Medal of Honor recipient and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

"This year's convention in Chicago is an opportunity to honor these heroes while providing a better understanding to all citizens about the importance of service over self," he said.

Today, there are less than 100 living Medal of Honor recipients.  They will gather in Chicago this week to share their experiences and lessons with the rest of us.

Their 5-day convention begins on Tuesday, September 15th, with an opening ceremony at Soldier Field.  It starts at 1 p.m.  It is free and open to the public.  Mayor Richard Daley will host the ceremony.  The Golden Knights parachute team will jump, and a 19-gun salute will be performed by the Illinois National Guard.

For a full schedule, please check out the convention website.

MEDAL OF HONOR CONVENTION 2009

I also hope you take a minute to look at the Q & A session with Al Lynch, a Medal of Honor recipient.  It is on this blog.

And last, I have the honor of interviewing Medal of Honor recipient Gary Littrell on ABC 7 News Sunday Morning.  Retired Air Force General John Borling will also join us to talk about the upcoming week.  Our interview is scheduled to air on Sunday, September 13th, during our 8 a.m. newscast.

I hope you read the blog or tune-in Sunday morning. 

I look forward to the week ahead!