New York City, March 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For Immediate Distribution
Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation
Contact: Mike Caldwell, 703- 469-1861
The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation presented actor and staunch veterans advocate Gary Sinise its Circle of Honor Award last night during a ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange. Sinise’s daughter, Sophie, and 30 of the 71 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor were among 160 guests in attendance.
“Just to be among you, to learn from you and be inspired by you is all the award I need,” said Sinise. “We work to be better citizens and patriots and we can always do a little bit more.”
The Foundation’s highest award, the Circle of Honor Award honors and recognizes American citizens who have made profound contributions to our Nation and way of life, and who epitomize the principles of courage, sacrifice, service and patriotism. Recipients of the award must have served in or strongly supported the military.
“Gary is so deserving of the Circle of Honor Award because of the tireless work he does for members of the military, veterans, their families and first responders,” said Louis Chênevert, Foundation chairman. “Gary is one of the strongest supporters of our Foundation, the Medal of Honor Recipients, and the work we do to teach the values embodied in the Medal of Honor to all Americans.”
“Gary Sinise has been a good friend of my fellow Medal Recipients and I for many years, and he is a great spokesman for our programs and all veteran issues,” said Medal of Honor Recipient Drew Dix, president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “For all he has done and continues to do to support us and so many others, he is truly deserving of the Circle of Honor Award.”
During the gala, the living Recipients of the Medal of Honor also presented the Society’s Patriot Award to Captain Jim Palmersheim, managing director of Veterans Initiatives for American Airlines. The Patriot Award is the highest award bestowed by the Society and is presented to distinguished Americans who exemplify the ideals that make America strong.
Palmersheim has been instrumental in the success of Snow Ball Express, which annually supports 1500 children and spouses of fallen service members killed on active duty. He is chairman of AA Sky Ball which has raised more than $11 million to support military charitable organizations to include education programs for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Foundation.
“Why wouldn’t we do the work we do when we have the opportunity to serve with the Recipients of the Medal of Honor,” said Palmersheim. “Our work with the military, veterans and the Recipients gives us the canvas to paint the artwork of freedom.”
“When Jim Palmersheim was nominated for the Patriot Award by one of our Recipients, our board unanimously and enthusiastically approved,” Dix said. “Jim’s dedication to freedom has no limits and we’re honored to recognize him with this award.”
This was the 16th consecutive year the Foundation has held the Circle of Honor Gala at the New York Stock Exchange.
“This is the event we look forward to every year at the Stock Exchange,” said John Tuttle, global head of Listings for NYSE. "We live in a safe, free and secure country and we thank the men and women of the armed forces for our liberty and way of life.”
To learn more about the Foundation and its programs visit www.themedalofhonor.com.
About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society: The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by the Congress in 1958 to create a brotherhood among the living Medal of Honor Recipients, to protect and uphold the dignity and honor of the Medal, to promote patriotism and love of country, and to inspire our youth to become worthy and dedicated citizens of our nation. Its membership consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. Today, there are 71 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Society is unique in that its membership hopes that there will be no need to welcome new inductees.
About the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation: The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation was founded in 1999 by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal. Through character development, scholarship and citizen recognition programs based on the values embodied in the Medal — courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism — the Foundation teaches all citizens that they can make a difference in the lives of others. The Foundation also supports the important work of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Tax ID #25-1828488, the Foundation carries a rating of 4/4 stars for fiscal management, accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator, America’s premiere non-profit evaluator.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ddb894a-e642-4cce-aaac-7bf7f36d75d8