In September, I had the opportunity to record a podcast with Matthew Cudmore of Memory Anchor as part of his inspiring series Story Behind the Stone. I was joined by my colleague Mike Caldwell, and together we shared the story behind our work at the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation—an effort to preserve the legacies of ordinary Americans who, in moments of unimaginable courage, did extraordinary things.
During our conversation, we explored the mission behind the National Medal of Honor Museum, now open in Arlington, Texas, and the architectural symbolism built into every inch of the structure. The museum honors more than 3,500 recipients of our nation’s highest military decoration, each representing values of courage, sacrifice, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism. Within the museum is the Griffin Institute, a leadership hub dedicated to transforming those timeless values into actionable lessons for life and leadership. The Institute’s programs help youth, executives, and teams alike define their personal “creed,” equipping them to lead with character and resilience in their own battles, whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or at home.
Mike and I also discussed the next chapter of this mission: the forthcoming National Medal of Honor Monument in Washington, D.C. With bipartisan support and presidential approval, the monument will soon stand as a lasting tribute to the values the Medal represents—reminding every visitor, from across America and around the world, that true heroism lies not just in moments of valor, but in a life lived with purpose and honor.
What makes this project so meaningful is its power to connect. Behind every name on the Medal of Honor roster is a family, a story, and a legacy of love and commitment that continues to inspire. Through the museum, the monument, and the Griffin Institute’s programs, our goal is to invite every visitor to reflect on their own potential—to live honorably, to lift others, and to advance a mission bigger than themselves.
