Birmingham recieves Medal of Honor Society Convention flag as 2027 Host City

Reading time: 4 minutes

Three men in suits stand on stage beside a Congressional Medal of Honor Society flag, one holding a fringed ceremonial pillow
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) A.C. Roper and Chaz Mitchell accepted the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention flag during the 2026 convention in Detroit. (DAST Studio)

Earlier this month, representatives from the city of Birmingham accepted the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention flag during a ceremony in Detroit, officially marking Birmingham as the host city for the 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention.

Set to take place Sept. 13-18, 2027, the convention will bring living Medal of Honor Recipients and their families to Birmingham for a week honoring their service and sacrifice through reflection, recognition and community engagement.

Birmingham receives Medal of Honor Society Convention Flag in Detroit

Man presents a wrapped gift to a woman on stage as others applaud, beside the Congressional Medal of Honor Society flag
Leaders from Detroit and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society participate in the ceremonial hand off, marking Birmingham’s selection as the next host city for the 2027 convention. (DAST Studio)

In 2025, Birmingham was selected to host the 2027 Medal of Honor Convention—an multi-day national gathering of living recipients of the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest award for military valor in action. During the annual event, living Medal of Honor Recepients gather for a week of community engagement, educational outreach, ceremonies and events designed to inspire future generations.

On Thursday, Oct. 1, 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 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. 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.”

Dan Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
A.C. Roper holds a furled flag beside Chaz Mitchell at the 2026 Medal of Honor Convention, with the Medal of Honor Society seal displayed behind them
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) A.C. Roper and Chaz Mitchell stand with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention flag during the 2026 convention in Detroit. (DAST Studio)

Considered one of the nation’s most prestigious patriotic gatherings, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention has been hosted in a number of distinguished cities, which include recent host cities San Antonio, New Orleans, Knoxville and Detroit.

“This flag represents courage, sacrifice, and service at their highest level. Accepting it on behalf of Birmingham is a profound honor. 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.”

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) A.C. Roper, chair of the Birmingham Medal of Honor Host Committee

Why was Birmingham chosen to host the Medal of Honor Society Convention?

Aerial view of a city skyline with downtown skyscrapers surrounded by low-rise buildings, parking lots, and sports fields
The city of Birmingham will host the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention, Sept. 13–18, 2027. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

With its deep-rooted military heritage and the birthplace of the nation’s first-ever National Veterans Day Parade, it’s no surprise that Birmingham was chosed to host the 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Society 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. 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.”

Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham

Birmingham has a long legacy as a city that honors military service, beyond hosting the nation’s oldest Veterans Day parade. The city is also home to the National Veterans Shrine, the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument, the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park and much more.

“This flag is a symbol of what is at the heart of our mission: to honor the sacrifice and inspire the future. 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.”

Chad Graham, executive director of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

An estimated 40 of the 61 living Medal of Honor Recipients are expected to attend the Convention.

Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer at Bham Now | nathan@bhamnow.com

Articles: 1596