4 minute read
The National Medal of Honor Museum
from January 2022
Coming Soon to Arlington, TX
The first Medals of Honor were presented on 25 March 1863 (this is why March 25th is National Medal of Honor Day) by the Secretary of War to 6 US Army Volunteers. It makes one wonder why after 158 years, we still do not have a National Medal of Honor Museum. There are other places across our great country that may have what they call a Medal of Honor Museum (including the Comfort Suites in Gallup) but not a National Museum. Well, thankfully this is about to change.
In 2019, Arlington, TX was selected as the site for this (way overdue) museum that will not only honor all those who have served (by some estimates well over 40 million) in the United States Military, but also those who have performed such heroic feats that only 3,530 Medals of
Honor have been presented. Many of these acts of heroism have been so far Above and Beyond the Call of Duty that the recipient gave his life so others might live. Of the 3,530 there has been only 1 female recipient, Dr. Mary Walker (Civil War). Below is the final artistic rendition of the Medal of Honor Museum that as of now is scheduled to break ground in March 2022 and scheduled to open sometime in 2024. My guess is they will try for March 2024. Not only has this museum been approved, but also a National Medal of Honor Monument will be erected in By Kenneth Reige Washington, D.C.
USAF Veteran The museum will not only be the place to honor all the brave Americans who have received our nation’s highest award for valor against an enemy force, but also a world class education center where they will be able to reach out across our great country and the world to help educate anyone wishing to learn about our nation’s greatest heroes. I believe our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, put it best by saying: “Any Nation that does not Honor Its Heroes will
not long endure.”
We must honor those who have worn the uniform of our country and especially those whose actions have been so extreme that they have earned the Medal of Honor.
I truly look forward to the day when this museum is open and my family and I can visit and read about all the MOH Recipients, past and present, and of course to honor Gallup’s favorite son, Hershey.
Just recently a film crew and members of the MOH Museum were here in Gallup filming and interviewing Hershey and others that will be a part of their permanent exhibits there.
Here is a link to the National Medal of Honor Museum website: www.mohmuseum.org
Here is a link to their online store where you can purchase items or make a donation to help make this the greatest museum in the country: www.shopmohmuseum.org
I invite all to visit these websites and to learn a little more about the Medal of Honor and the museum and to also visit their shop and to get a few last minute Christmas gifts. I mean, who wouldn’t want a MOH Museum Challenge Coin or cap to add to their collection.
I am sure as the museum is being built there will be more items available on their website store and more information to read. I, myself, am so very excited to one day take my family there and visit what will surely be “Hallowed Grounds.”
This month’s MOH Quote comes from one of the Korean War Veterans, (and best friend to Hershey Miyamura) Raymond G. “Jerry” Murphy. His quote is as follows:
Here is the statue outside the Raymond G. “Jerry” Murphy VA Hospital in Albuquerque.
Wanted to share this really cool picture. This was taken on 27 Oct 1953. The names are from L to R: Hershey Miyamura, James Stone, David Bleak, Alford McLaughlin, President Eisenhower, Bob Simanek, George O’Brien and Jerry Murphy.
NICK BROKESHOULDER
DANIEL DEVRIES
HOPI KATSINA CARVING
I have been making art for many years since the young age of 8 years old. I learned this craftwork from my maternal grandfatherGuy Maktima who was a prolific artist in his lifetime. He was a Hopi from Old Oraibi and was Snake Clan. I am Rabbit/Tobacco on my mother’s matrilineal side, and this is a part of my cultural background.
The Hopi Katina dolls have been made since the early 1900’s as a trade item for non-natives who arrived in Arizona by venturing out by railroad. Visitors soon found their way to Hopi villages from Winslow, AZ and travelled by car, wagon, or by animals to visit Hopi. This created a trade system to barter goods made by Hopi such as baskets, textiles, jewelry, and items such as Katsina Dolls.
These photos are of two types: Flat dolls and Full figure dolls. All are handmade and crafted by basic small knives and rasps. They are painted using clay as the base medium and natural rock minerals for various colors. Final decoration of horsehair, feathers, leather, and shells.
Nick Brokeshoulder Rabbit/ Tobacco Clan -Hotevela, Arizona
