The American Legion Announces Plans for the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball Honoring Medal of Honor Recipients

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Legion and Veterans Inaugural Committee announce that the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball will be held January 20, 2017. Started in 1953 at the request of President Dwight Eisenhower, the ball provides the opportunity for the newly elected Commander-in-Chief to pay tribute to Medal of Honor recipients.

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest award for valor bestowed upon individuals serving in the U.S. Armed Services. Since the first medal was awarded in 1863, there have been nearly 3,500 recipients. Most of the medal's recipients paid for the award with their lives. Fewer than 80 Medal of Honor recipients are living today and many will be attending the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball.

Guests will also include members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, senior military, elected and government officials, celebrities, corporate citizens and other members of the Armed Forces recovering at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

"Throughout our nation's history so many have fought and died for our freedoms," said Dale Barnett, National Commander, The American Legion. "It is only fitting that on the night the new Commander-in-Chief takes office, the opportunity is given to thank the bravest of the brave — our nation's Medal of Honor recipients — in person and we are proud to extend that invitation once again."

The Veterans Inaugural Committee is comprises of 14 congressionally chartered veteran service organizations including, The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Reserve Officers Association, Blinded Veterans Association, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, American Ex-Prisoners, Marine Corps League, The Retired Enlisted Association, and Non Commissioned Officers Association.

The event will be held January 20, 2017 at The Renaissance Washington, 999 Ninth St. NW, Washington, D.C. Individuals or companies who wish to join the veteran community at this prestigious inaugural celebration can do so by going online for ticket sales at www.legion.org/salutetoheroesball. Information on sponsorships, premium packages and table purchases are also available by emailing [email protected].

About The American Legion
The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with 2.2 million members in nearly 14,000 posts in communities across in America. The Legion, established by an act of Congress in 1919, was instrumental in getting the original GI Bill through Congress and the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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SOURCE The American Legion

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