Birmingham to host 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention 

Birmingham will host the 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention in 2027, bringing dozens of recognized heroes to the Magic City.

The 2027 Medal of Honor Convention Birmingham Host Committee has been working with the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau and the city of Birmingham to sway the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s decision.

The convention will take place Sept. 13-18, 2027.

“It’s a week of remembrance, commemoration, it’s a week of celebration and it’s a week of giving back to our community,” said Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper, chair of the Host Committee and former Birmingham Police chief.

“I had the honor of being at the White House a few years ago when one of the Medal of Honor recipients received their medal, and it’s something I will always remember,” Roper said. “Even over my 42 years and 15 days of service, that’s one of those moments that stand out.”

An estimated 40 of the 61 living Medal of Honor recipients and their families are expected to attend the weeklong convention, which will include some public ceremonies, educational initiatives and private gatherings. Having them in Birmingham and the region will provide an opportunity to celebrate America’s most decorated military heroes while showcasing the history, hospitality and civic pride of the Magic City.

“Our recipients are honored to bring the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention to Birmingham – a city rich in American history and defined by its unwavering patriotism,” said Britt Slabinski, Medal of Honor recipient and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “As the birthplace of the very first Veterans Day parade, Birmingham has set a national example in how we remember and honor those who serve. During our time here, we intend to give back to this community by sharing our stories, investing our time and engaging meaningfully with students, veterans, civic leaders and families. It is our hope that our presence here will strengthen the deep spirit of patriotism that has long defined Birmingham and inspire a renewed sense of unity and purpose.”

Hosting allows Birmingham to shine.

“From a national perspective, it’s very prestigious to host these heroes who have sacrificed so much,” said John Oros, CEO of the Greater Birmingham CVB. “We’re proud to showcase our city’s history, hospitality and respect for those who have served.”

Roper expects the recipients and their families will experience Southern hospitality on a grand scale.

“With more than 400,000 veterans across our state, we continue to honor those who have served through events, memorials and the pride our community takes in celebrating our heroes,” he said. “We have always honored our veterans and those who have served in our military. And it’s not just the military service members; it’s also their families. I often say, no service member can be successful without the support of the family.”

In addition to the nation’s first-ever National Veterans Day Parade established in 1954, Birmingham and the surrounding area have a history and ongoing commitment to honoring service members.

“Home to the National Veterans Shrine, the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument, Alabama Veterans Memorial Park and more, our city holds a deep, enduring respect for those who have served,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “This convention is both a privilege and a moment for our community to come together in tribute to the values of courage, sacrifice and integrity.”

Other convention hosts have included San Antonio, New Orleans and Knoxville.

“Birmingham has long demonstrated what it means to honor service not just in words, but through enduring traditions and community spirit,” said Chad Graham, executive director of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside local partners to foster meaningful dialogue, engage with future generations and celebrate the values that unite us as Americans. This convention is as much about listening and learning as it is about honoring, and Birmingham provides an ideal backdrop for that exchange.”

Roper said he is excited to see what having these heroes in Birmingham will mean for its youths.

“I’m really excited about the character-building portion of that week,” he said. “We can really involve our students. What these people have done and what they have given to our nation is something that needs to be shared, and it’s something we want our young people to walk away with.”

Roper said there will be sponsorship, support and volunteer opportunities from the public and business community.

“Well, a lot of work has to occur,” Roper said. “The announcement is great, but it’s really part of the road map to 2027. As we move throughout this region highlighting Birmingham, I think there’ll be a part that everyone can play.”

For more information on the 2027 Congressional Medal of Honor Convention, including sponsorship opportunities and event details, visit InBirmingham.com/CMOHSConvention.