The night sky over Arlington, Texas, was illuminated in red, white, and blue as Charlotte Jones, the Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys, laid the foundation for the National Medal of Honor Museum. Speaking before a large crowd, Jones emphasized the museum’s purpose: to bring the stories of Medal of Honor recipients to life and inspire future generations to act with courage in their own communities. Unlike traditional war memorials or military museums, this new institution aims to highlight the extraordinary actions of ordinary individuals who served their country with unparalleled bravery.
Jones shared her excitement about the project on social media, describing the moment as humbling and historic. Former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman responded to her post with a simple but powerful comment: “Amazing,” accompanied by a red heart and an American flag emoji. His reaction captured the sentiment of many who viewed the museum’s creation as a monumental achievement.
The museum itself is an expansive project, spanning over 100,000 square feet. It features designated spaces for classrooms, meetings, memorials, and ceremonies, as well as a 31,000-square-foot exhibit area filled with artifacts, interviews, and stories from Medal of Honor recipients. The goal is to create an immersive and educational experience for visitors.
The significance of this museum is underscored by the rarity of the Medal of Honor. Out of the 40 million Americans who have served in the military since the Civil War, fewer than 4,000 have received the nation’s highest military decoration. Today, only 61 of those recipients are still alive. Maj. Gen. Pat Brady, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1969 for his heroism in Vietnam, expressed his gratitude, stating that the museum would finally provide a proper home for the stories of these heroes, ensuring their legacy is preserved for future generations.
Brady himself is a living example of extraordinary bravery. In 1968, he piloted three different Huey helicopters under enemy fire to rescue 51 wounded soldiers. One of those helicopters will serve as the centerpiece of the museum’s collection. The entire project has been made possible largely due to the efforts of the Jones family, including the Cowboys’ owners, who played a leading role in making the museum a reality.
The museum’s ribbon-cutting ceremony attracted numerous notable figures, including former U.S. President George W. Bush, who attended alongside Charlotte Jones. The event was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military, and it provided an opportunity for attendees to reflect on their courage and dedication.
In addition to Bush, the Dallas Cowboys were well represented. Quarterback Dak Prescott attended the ceremony along with his fiancée, Sarah Jane Ramos, who is expecting their child. The team’s new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, was also present, accompanied by his wife. Senator John Cornyn, another high-profile guest, praised the museum, stating that the individuals it honors are “the best of the best” and have risked everything—including their lives—to defend the country and its values.
One of the major contributions to the project came from the Dallas Cowboys organization, which donated $20 million to support the museum’s development. This substantial financial commitment further demonstrated the team’s dedication to honoring the nation’s military heroes.
After years of planning and three years of construction, the National Medal of Honor Museum is set to officially open its doors on March 25. The long-awaited institution stands as a testament to the bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of those who have earned the Medal of Honor. Now, with a permanent home, their stories will continue to inspire generations to come.
