Medal of Honor Grove

Discovering the Medal of Honor Grove in Newtown Square

The Medal of Honor Grove, located on the campus of Founding Forward at Valley Forge, is a distinguished museum and memorial dedicated to honoring the bravery of over 3,500 recipients of the United States’ highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. This 42-acre natural woodland serves as a living tribute, inviting visitors to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of these national heroes.

A Unique Structure of Honor

The Grove is meticulously designed, with a dedicated section for each of the 50 states, alongside territories like Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Each Medal of Honor recipient is commemorated with a stainless steel marker that includes their name, military organization, and the date and location of their heroic act. Moreover, the names of the recipients are inscribed on state obelisks, ensuring that their service is forever recognized within their home states.

Additional Memorials at the Grove

Visitors to the Medal of Honor Grove will also encounter two significant memorials at the entrance. The AOH Memorial honors over 150 immigrants who received the Medal of Honor yet were unable to be recognized in their respective states due to their non-citizen status. Additionally, the Chaplains Memorial honors nine chaplains who acted courageously and were awarded the Medal of Honor for their selfless acts during wartime.

The Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove

Since 2011, the Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has taken on the responsibility for the restoration, maintenance, and improvement of the Grove. This dedicated group has made significant strides, including updating all recipient names in their respective states and repaving roadways. The Friends have also achieved Level-1 Arboretum certification and are actively managing the removal of dead and diseased trees. With over 800 volunteers engaged each year, this organization relies entirely on private donations to maintain the Grove’s honorable condition.

Get Involved and Support

The Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove invite the community to contribute through tree donations or financial support. Such contributions are crucial for preserving this significant memorial for future generations. By visiting this serene and inspiring location, you can honor the bravery of American heroes while supporting the ongoing efforts to maintain their legacy.

In conclusion, the Medal of Honor Grove is more than just a museum; it is a powerful testament to the sacrifices made by extraordinary individuals. A visit to the Grove offers not only a chance to pay respects but also an opportunity to become part of a community dedicated to remembrance and honor.