BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Oct. 13, 2026) — Birmingham officially took its place as the next host city of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention on Thursday, Oct. 1, as leaders from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the host city of Detroit ceremonially passed the Convention flag to representatives of Birmingham during the 2026 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention in Detroit.
The passing of the flag serves as a symbolic transition between host cities and marks the beginning of Birmingham’s final year of preparation before welcoming Medal of Honor Recipients, their families, military leaders, veterans and visitors from across the country to the Magic City in September 2027.
Birmingham was selected as the host city in recognition of its deep commitment to honoring military service and its legacy as the birthplace of the nation’s first Veterans Day celebration. The convention also presents a unique opportunity to showcase Alabama’s longstanding support of veterans and military families to a national audience.
Scheduled for Sept. 13-18, 2027 in Birmingham, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention will bring together living Medal of Honor Recipients for a week of community engagement, educational outreach, ceremonies and events designed to inspire future generations through the values of courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism and citizenship.
“The passing of the flag represents far more than a ceremonial moment. It reflects the trust placed in Birmingham to carry forward the legacy and traditions of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and to honor the extraordinary men who have demonstrated the highest levels of service and sacrifice to our nation,” said Dan Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are honored to accept that responsibility and look forward to welcoming America’s Medal of Honor Recipients and visitors from across the country to Birmingham and the State of Alabama in 2027.”
“This flag is a symbol of what is at the heart of our mission: to honor the sacrifice and inspire the future,” said Chad Graham, executive director of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “Birmingham has long lived out both. We look forward to 2027, when our Recipients will bring their stories and share the values of the Medal with a community ready to carry that mission forward.”
During the next year, Birmingham’s host committee, state leaders and community partners will continue planning for the convention while engaging residents, veterans, businesses and civic organizations across Alabama in showcasing the state’s commitment to honoring military service and sacrifice. Additional activities are planned throughout the coming months, including Veterans Day events and community initiatives designed to build excitement ahead of the 2027 convention.
“For generations, Birmingham has found meaningful ways to honor those who have served our nation, and receiving the Convention flag is another chapter in that story,” said Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham. “From pioneering the nation’s Veterans Day celebration to welcoming the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention, this moment reflects who we are as a city and the values we hold dear. We look forward to building on that legacy and sharing Birmingham’s enduring commitment to honoring our nation’s heroes.”
“This flag represents courage, sacrifice, and service at their highest level. Accepting it on behalf of Birmingham is a profound honor,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) A.C. Roper, chair of the Birmingham Medal of Honor Host Committee. “We look forward to carrying that spirit into 2027 as our community comes together to welcome our nation’s Medal of Honor Recipients and ensure their stories inspire generations to come.”
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention is considered one of the nation’s most prestigious patriotic gatherings, bringing together living Recipients of the Medal of Honor, the country’s highest military award for valor in combat. Birmingham joins a distinguished list of recent host cities that includes San Antonio, New Orleans, Knoxville and Detroit.
For more information about the 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention, including sponsorship opportunities and updates as Birmingham prepares to host this historic event, visit the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention 2027 website.
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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 4.17 million visitors each year, generating $2.62 billion in economic impact. Learn more at inbirmingham.com.
About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is a congressionally chartered, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization entrusted with preserving and protecting the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award for valor in combat. Established by Congress in 1958, the Society is comprised exclusively of living Medal of Honor Recipients whose acts of courage, sacrifice, integrity, patriotism, citizenship, and service above self reflect the nation’s highest ideals.
As the sole authority on the Medal of Honor, the Society safeguards its integrity, preserves its legacy, inspires Americans to live its values, and supports Recipients as they engage communities nationwide. The Society fulfills its mission through national outreach; values-based education initiatives; the HonorCare Program, providing coordinated health and life-stage support for Recipients and their families; stewardship of archives and storytelling; and national recognition efforts such as the Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point, the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, and the Citizen Honors Awards.
Since the Medal’s creation during the Civil War, more than 40 million Americans have served in the Armed Forces, yet fewer than 4,000 have received the Medal. As the number of living Recipients declines, the responsibility to preserve their stories and carry forward their values grows ever more urgent. Learn more at www.cmohs.org.
