The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Freedoms Foundation to host free concerts
To benefit Medal of Honor Grove Scheduled for June 10 and June 13
The Freedoms Foundation will host two free concerts at the Medal of Honor Grove.
On June 10 ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m. to dedicate a Medal of Honor monument for the Coast Guard. This will be followed by a concert by the United States Coast Guard Band from New London, Connecticut.
The Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums will be in concert beginning at 7 p.m. June 13 at the Medal of Honor Grove. Local Vocalist Sara Agnew will also join the Thunder in concert. Snacks and beverages will be available. Good will donations will be accepted to help support the upkeep of the grounds of the Medal of Honor.
The Medal of Honor Grove at the Freedoms Foundation, located on Route 23 at the edge of Valley Forge National Park, is 53 acres of land dedicated, since July 2015, to 3447 recipients of our nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. More than 70 of these recipients are still living. Each state of the union has an obelisk representing its state. Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia are also represented.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians also erected an obelisk representing those soldiers who were not United States citizens yet were awarded the Medal of Honor while serving in the American Armed Forces. There are 150 names on the AOH obelisk from at least 14 different countries. These soldiers could not be accredited to a state because they aren’t documented US citizens − yet they defended America − some lost their lives.
The Knights of Columbus have an obelisk - located across from the AOH obelis − that represent the chaplains who received the Medal of Honor. These two plots of land are at the entrance to the Medal of Honor Grove.
In 2010 there was talk of a housing development going up at the Medal of Honor Grove. The grove itself was overgrown with shrubs, trees and fallen timber everywhere. The markers whose names of those honored at each obelisk were in disarray. And the obelisk themselves were soiled with mold and discolored. The lack of funds and neglect
made it difficult to maintain the 53 acres.
AOH Division President Mick Dunleavy, along with AOH past national president Seamus Boyle, brought together various organizations and political groups and for three days cleaned up the grove. In October 2010 about 1,000 volunteer, from the AOH, veterans groups, Boy Scouts, the National Guard and many other organizations cleared out tons of debris and overgrowth.
Each year many volunteers still gather to maintain what was started 8 years ago. But the work has to continue each year and more work is needed to be concentrated on other items that needed repairs and improvements and other sections of the grove.
This grass roots effort to maintain the grove resulted in the formation of the Friends of the Medal of Honor. Since 2011 this 501c3 nonprofit corporation organized the clean ups of the grove and other improvements of the property along as well as raising the funds needed to maintain the structures within the grove. In 2017 a preservation easement for the grove was established and with that the Natural Land Trust in effect the Medal of Honor Grove will be able to continue to honor those who went beyond the call of duty.
Instituted by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. This award is presented to its recipient by the president of the United States of American in the name of Congress.
At 1 p.m. June 10, the Coast Guard Memorial Fountain Rededication will be held in Honor of Medal of Honor Recipient Doug Munro. A 21-gun salute will take place and a ribbon cutting. This will be followed by a concert by the United States Coast Guard Band.
The Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums will perform in concert June 13 at 7 p.m. Vocalist Sara Agnew will sing a few songs and a carillon performance will take place. Mark Ryan President of the AOH Notre Dame Division of Montgomery County and a board of director member of the Friends Medal of Honor Grove, is organizing this The Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove recently extended the paved pathway in the grove to the Hawaii and Alaska acres at the far end. Photo courtesy of the Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove. event to help raise funds.
If you can’t make it to the concert or just wish Soldiers participate in the posting of the colors at the Medal of Honor Grove during a ceremony in 2016. to make a donation please send checks to Friend of the Medal of Honor Grove, PO Box 3039, West Chester Pa 19381. Credit card donations In 2017 a preservation easement for the grove was established. The Medal of Honor Grove will be able to continue to honor those who went beyond the call of duty. can be made online at www.friendsmohgrove.org
The concert address of The Freedoms Foundation and Medal of Honor Grove is 1601 Valley Forge Road, Phoenixville.