Legion to salute MoH recipients at inaugural ball

A tradition that began for The American Legion 63 years ago will continue Jan. 20, 2017, when the organization and the Veterans Inaugural Committee will host the Veterans Inaugural Ball in the nation’s capital. The ball – started in 1953 at the request of President Dwight Eisenhower – is an opportunity for the newly elected Commander-in-Chief to pay tribute to Medal of Honor recipients.

The Veterans Inaugural Ball will be held at the Renaissance Washington, 999 Ninth St. NW, Washington, D.C., on the occasion of the 58th Presidential Inauguration. Besides living Medal of Honor recipients and the newly elected U.S. president, guests will also include members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, senior military, elected and government officials, celebrities, corporate citizens and other members of the armed forces recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

“Throughout our nation’s history, so many have fought and died for our freedoms,” said American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett. “It is only fitting that on the night the new Commander-in-Chief takes office, the opportunity is given to thank the bravest of the brave – our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients – in person, and we are proud to extend that invitation once again.”

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest award for valor bestowed upon individuals serving in the U.S. military. Since the first medal was awarded in 1863, more than 3,500 servicemembers have received it and fewer than 80 recipients are living today.

The Veterans Inaugural Committee is comprised of 14 congressionally chartered veterans service organizations, including The American Legion. Individuals or companies who wish to join the veterans community Jan. 20, 2017, at this prestigious inaugural celebration can purchase tickets for $300 each at www.legion.org/salutetoheroesball. Information on sponsorships, premium packages and table purchases are also available by emailing info@salutetoheroesball.org.