Article originally published in the Birmingham Business Journal
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Nov. 10, 2025) — When Birmingham hosts the Congressional Medal of Honor Convention in 2027, it will be more than a ceremonial gathering. It will be a defining moment for our city and a national stage to celebrate service, sacrifice and legacy.
As someone who has worn the uniform for over four decades and led soldiers in combat, I have seen courage under fire and leadership in its purest form. I have also witnessed how strong communities sustain those who serve. That is what makes Birmingham so uniquely qualified to host this historic event.
Our city holds a proud distinction. In 1947, Birmingham hosted the first celebration using the name “Veterans Day,” organized by Raymond Weeks, which included a parade to honor all who served. That tradition grew into the national Veterans Day we observe today. Now, eight decades later, Birmingham will again make history as we welcome America’s highest heroes, the recipients of the Medal of Honor.
A moment of honor and reflection
Hosting the Congressional Medal of Honor Convention is both an honor and a responsibility. Over four days, the convention will include community events, school programs and leadership forums designed to connect our residents with living examples of courage and character.
The real impact will not be measured in numbers but in inspiration. Students will meet heroes who risked everything for others. Families will hear stories that define duty and sacrifice. And our entire region will be reminded that courage and service are still the foundations of a strong and unified nation.
A city transformed
Birmingham’s story is one of resilience and renewal. A city once defined by its struggles has become a symbol of progress and promise. From revitalized neighborhoods to a dynamic downtown, Birmingham has emerged as a place of vision, creativity and collaboration.
That transformation mirrors the strength of our veterans men and women who have faced adversity, adapted and emerged stronger. The 2027 convention gives us a platform to share that story with the nation and showcase the character of a community that knows what perseverance looks like.
As a Birmingham native who has served both this city and our country, I understand what it means to lead through change. From serving local communities as Birmingham’s chief of police to defending the nation as the deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command, I have learned that leadership and legacy are not defined by titles. They are defined by service to others. That same principle guides our host committee as we prepare for 2027.
The spirit of service
Medal of Honor recipients represent the best of America, not because they sought recognition, but because they answered a call greater than themselves. Their stories remind us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.
Our host committee has embraced that same spirit. We have brought together civic, business and faith leaders who are committed to ensuring that this convention honors not only the heroes who have worn the uniform but also the communities that support them. It is truly an example of the collaborative spirit of Birmingham — with representatives from the military community, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, city of Birmingham, Sheraton Birmingham, American Village, National Veteran’s Day Birmingham and more, working together to ensure that Birmingham delivers an experience worthy of the Medal of Honor’s meaning.
A legacy worth building
The Medal of Honor Convention will leave an enduring imprint on Birmingham. It will strengthen our sense of unity, inspire a new generation of servant leaders and reinforce our commitment to honor, integrity and sacrifice.
Ultimately, this is about more than hosting an event. It is about reaffirming who we are as a city. Just as Birmingham was the birthplace of Veterans Day, we now have the opportunity to set a new national example for how a community honors its heroes.
As we look toward 2027, let us remember that legacy is not built in a single moment, but through daily choices to lead, serve and uplift others. The Medal of Honor recipients have shown us what that looks like. Now, Birmingham has the privilege to show the world how it looks when a city leads with that same spirit.
Retired Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper is chairman of the Birmingham Medal of Honor Host Committee and CEO of A.C. Roper & Associates, a leadership consulting firm. He served 42 years in the U.S. Army and is the former chief of police for the city of Birmingham.
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About the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) is the official tourism and marketing organization for Birmingham and Jefferson County. Established in 1969, the non-profit agency generates positive economic impact by positioning the Greater Birmingham Region as a premier destination for conventions, sporting events, and domestic and international leisure travel. Birmingham and its neighboring municipalities welcome more than 4.04 million visitors each year, generating $2.57 billion in economic impact. Learn more at inbirmingham.com.
About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, chartered by Congress in 1958 and composed exclusively of living Recipients of the Medal of Honor – the nation’s highest award for military valor in combat. Since the Medal’s founding by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861, only 3,528 individuals have received it, and today, just 61 living Recipients remain. The Society is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor and supporting those who wear it. Through nationwide outreach, the Recipients engage with schools, communities, veterans, and active-duty service members to inspire future generations to live with courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism, and citizenship – the values embodied by the Medal. To fulfill this mission, the Society offers robust programs in education, public outreach, and historical preservation, including the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, the Citizen Honors Awards, and the Medal of Honor Museum, located aboard the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The Society’s work is made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and mission partners, and is carried out in partnership with the Medal of Honor Foundation. Learn more at www.cmohs.org.
