On National Medal of Honor Day, we recognize those who went beyond the call of duty and showed extraordinary courage in the heat of battle. Over this past weekend, the Marine Chamber Orchestra performed at a special dinner event ahead of the National Medal of Honor Museum’s Grand Opening, which takes place today. The museum honors the recipients by telling their stories—their lives, how they grew up, why they joined the military in the first place, and much more with artifacts, family letters, uniforms, flags, the actual medals, and innovative technology recreating the landscape of battlefields. 

The orchestra’s musical tribute included marches by John Philip Sousa, John Dunbar Theme from Dances with Wolves, “God Bless the USA” with Lee Greenwood and “America the Beautiful” by Yolanda Adams. The music was the perfect backdrop for the museum’s spectacular fireworks show. 

“I enjoyed playing ‘America the Beautiful’ with singer Yolanda Adams,” trumpet player Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Eubank said. “She offered a unique rendition of this classic standard and had the audience in the palm of her hand.” 

He continued: “Performing for the opening of this museum, with over 30 living Medal of Honor recipients, will be one of most memorable evenings of my Marine Band career. They are very best of our country and the human spirit.” 

Percussionist Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Rose witnessed that spirit up close at the event:  

The event was not only moving, but also patriotic and long overdue for thse heroes. To see so many Medal of Honor recipients in one room and feel their humility and pride was something I’ll never forget. The stories they tell and their sacrifices were above and beyond anything I can ever fathom. It was great to speak with a few of them, but what’s most impressive is that they all have the same story; it wasn’t about them; it was the right thing to do; I did it for my fellow teammates. Their selfless sacrifice is so impressive.  That’s what I’ll take away the most from this event. 

Traveling to and from the museum was something just as special—riding on American Airlines’ Flagship Valor. Flute player Staff Sgt. Christina Hughes says it was a great experience given the stories the aircraft also tells. According to American Airlines, “Flagship Valor—an Airbus A321 aircraft with a special wrap—is a flying tribute dedicated to recipients of the Medal of Honor,” with its own depiction of major military conflicts and the six characteristics that embody the Medal of Honor and those who have received it.” 

The Marine Band’s Operations Director Lieutenant Col. Douglas Burian was glad to be part of the event noting, “It was one of the most impressive museums I’ve ever seen.”  

Burian especially enjoyed Kyle Carpenter’s speech at the event. Carpenter, a former Marine, received the Medal of Honor for the courageous actions he took in 2010 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. According to his Medal of Honor citation:  

The enemy initiated a daylight attack with hand grenades, one of which landed inside their sandbagged position. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Cpl. Carpenter moved toward the grenade in an attempt to shield his fellow Marine from the deadly blast. When the grenade detonated, his body absorbed the brunt of the blast, severely wounding him, but saving the life of his fellow Marine.  

The ribbon cutting was led by a familiar face to the orchestra—former President George W. Bush. 

Violinist Master Gunnery Sgt. Erika Sato summed it up by saying: “It was a privilege to support the event honoring those extraordinary heroes whose selfless actions affected lives beyond the countless ones they saved. Witnessing them be collectively celebrated and commemorated for their bravery was both moving and inspiring.”