Chattanooga hosts Medal of Honor Convention next year

CHATTANOOGA,Tenn. (WDEF)-  Local city and state officials came together Monday to celebrate the kick off for events for next year’s Medal of Honor Convention. 

“Overall, I would say it is a celebration of service, sacrifice, community, love for our great nation, and to remember and honor those that served and sacrificed to build this great nation,” said Kyle Carpenter, Medal of Honor recipient. 

Preparations and planning for the convention has taken more than  2 years. 

The Medal of Honor Convention will welcome more than 40 recipients to Chattanooga. 

Linda Moss-Mines, Co-Chair of the Convention says it’s an honor to recognize these heroes for their act of valor. 

“It is so hard, to put into words what it means to have that many people who have really demonstrated that greater love, with no concern of their own safety, to have them here with us,  it’s just beyond almost my comprehension,” said Moss-Mines

Throughout the week of the Convention, Recipients will be able to make a lasting impact in the Community. 

 Carpenter explains why it is important to bring the convention to Chattanooga. 

“Beyond the military history and the individual stories, to be in a community that loves and supports our military that has that strong sense of community and patriotism is just very special. So as recipients and as Medal of Honor Society, we are very excited to be here next year,” said Carpenter

The Medal of Honor Heritage Center says there are several events and activities scheduled during the next 10 months before the convention. 

But, Moss-Mines believes this Convention is all about changing lives.  

“The idea of sharing those stories with students and having them be able, 50 years from now to look back and to say there was that moment in time when I saw a large group of Medal of Honor recipients, and it changed my life. That is what we are all about, is changing lives, changing communities, changing the future,” said Moss-Mines