ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Ground was broken Friday for a new museum in Texas to honor those who have been awarded the nation's highest military honor.
The National Medal of Honor Museum will be built in Arlington, just west of Dallas. The museum will tell the stories of the recipients of the medal, which is awarded by Congress for risking life in combat beyond the call of duty.
"When you look at the Medal of Honor recipient, you are looking at someone who has demonstrated gallantry under impossible odds, you are looking at someone who has placed duty above self, you are looking at someone who understands the meaning of sacrifice in the most profound way," former President George W. Bush said at the groundbreaking ceremony. "And you are looking at a person of integrity, fortitude and patriotism. You are looking at honor."
Fifteen Medal of Honor recipients attended the ceremony, including 98-year-old Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, who is the nation's last living recipient from World War II.
About 3,500 service members have received the award.
The museum, which will have permanent and rotating exhibits, is expected to open in 2024.
President George W. Bush speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Medal of Honor Museum , Friday, March 25, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (Amanda McCoy/Star-Telegram via AP)
Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura, a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attends the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Medal of Honor Museum, Friday, March 25, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (Amanda McCoy/Star-Telegram via AP)
Medal of Honor recipients stand for the national anthem during the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Medal of Honor Museum, Friday, March 25, 2022, in in Arlington, Texas. (Amanda McCoy/Star-Telegram via AP)
Medal of Honor recipients and officials, including President George W. Bush, break ground for the National Medal of Honor Museum, Friday, March 25, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (Amanda McCoy/Star-Telegram via AP)