Members of a select group of American war heroes will spend the week in Birmingham for the 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention.
Birmingham will host the convention from Sept. 13-18, 2027, with about 40 of the 61 living Medal of Honor recipients expected to attend, officials announced Thursday.
The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest award for military valor in combat.
The convention offers a rare gathering of living Medal of Honor recipients and their families for a week of reflection, recognition and community engagement.
"During our time here, we intend to give back to this community by sharing our stories, investing our time, and engaging meaningfully with students, veterans, civic leaders, and families," said Britt Slabinski, a Medal of Honor recipient and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. "It is our hope that our presence here will strengthen the deep spirit of patriotism that has long defined Birmingham and inspire a renewed sense of unity and purpose."
The event is presented by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau and the City of Birmingham.
Events will include a blend of public ceremonies, educational initiatives and private gatherings.
Organizers noted Birmingham's legacy as home to the country's first-ever National Veterans Day Parade, which was established in 1954.
"Our city has a unique history of resilience, community building and transformation, and it's only fitting that we serve those who have so selflessly served us," said A.C. Roper, a retired Army Lt. General and Birmingham's former chief of police. "With more than 400,000 veterans across our state, we continue to honor those who have served through events, memorials and the pride our community takes in celebrating our heroes."
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodin also noted the significance of bringing the event to the city.
"This convention is both a privilege and a moment for our community to come together in tribute to the values of courage, sacrifice and integrity," he said.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress in 1958 that is exclusively composed of living Medal of Honor recipients.
Only 3,528 people have received the medal since it was created by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861.
Birmingham will join other cities such as San Antonio, New Orleans and Knoxville among recent convention hosts.
"Hosting the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention is an incredible honor for Birmingham," said John Oros, CEO of the Greater Birmingham CVB. "This prestigious event will bring visitors from across the country and further solidify Birmingham's reputation as a top destination for national conventions."
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