IMG 5125 scaled e1794343837672 Birmingham raises flag for 2027 Medal of Honor Convention — 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention flag presentation. (Madeline Herring / Bham Now)

Birmingham held an official flag-presentation ceremony on November 10, 2026 in front of City Hall to mark the countdown to the 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention, which is coming to the Magic City on September 13-18, 2027.

Held on the eve of Veterans Day, the ceremony brought together city officials, distinguished military leaders, veterans and Convention organizers for the raising of the American flag and the official presentation of the Convention flag.

Birmingham holds a special place in the nation’s military history

IMG 5135 Birmingham raises flag for 2027 Medal of Honor Convention — Mayor Randall Woodfin addressing crowd beside 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention flag. (Madeline Herring / Bham Now)

Before officially receiving the flag, retired Army Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper, Birmingham’s former police chief, reminded the crowd why this particular national convention coming to Birmingham is an honor our city will always remember.

“It is an extraordinary honor to stand here today as we prepare to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor Society flag on behalf of our great city and the state of Alabama. As it’s been mentioned, the Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military decoration for valor in combat. It represents extraordinary courage, selfless service, and an unwavering commitment to something greater than oneself.

Throughout our nation’s history, more than 3,500 Americans have received this distinguished honor, and their stories remind us that freedom has never been free, and that the liberties we enjoy have been preserved by those willing to make extraordinary sacrifices.”

As the birthplace of America’s first Veterans Day celebration in 1947, Birmingham holds a special place in the nation’s military history.

IMG 0337 Birmingham raises flag for 2027 Medal of Honor Convention — (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Nearly 80 years later, the city is preparing to welcome recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor in combat.

Only 3,536 individuals have received the Medal of Honor. Today, there are only 65 living recipients, including two who call Alabama home, according to Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.

What to expect in September 2027

The Convention will bring America’s highest military heroes to the Magic City for a series of community events, youth programs, leadership forums and educational outreach. Learn more on the convention’s official website. .