ON A MISSION, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is a 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to safeguarding and celebrating the legacy of the Medal of Honor and its Recipients. Guided by the Medal’s core values—Courage, Sacrifice, Commitment, Integrity, Citizenship, and Patriotism—the Foundation exists to preserve and honor extraordinary service. On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation. Millions have worn the uniform, hundreds of thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice, yet fewer than 4,000 have received the Medal of Honor. Each story reflects bravery, dedication, and patriotism. The Foundation’s mission is to create a lasting tribute through the Museum in Arlington, Texas, and a National Medal of Honor Monument in Washington, D.C., preserving the history and legacies of its recipients.

In October 2019, Arlington, Texas, was selected as the site for the National Medal of Honor Museum, which is designed to recognize recipients and inspire future generations through the National Medal of Honor Museum Leadership Institute, a center focused on character development. The Foundation has also advanced a corresponding National Medal of Honor Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which was federally authorized and signed into law in late 2021. The fundraising goal for the museum is nearly $200 million, fully funded through private donations, with major contributions such as the $20 million gift from businessman Jerry Jones. No federal funds are being used to support either the museum or the monument. The museum is located in Arlington’s entertainment district, adjacent to AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, a strategic site chosen to maximize visibility, visitor engagement, and integration with recreational and cultural activities. Groundbreaking took place on National Medal of Honor Day, March 25, 2022. Leadership includes Chris Cassidy, former NASA chief astronaut and retired Navy SEAL, as President and CEO, and Charlotte Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of the Dallas Cowboys, as Chairman of the Board. Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter have served as Honorary Directors, underscoring the national significance and bipartisan support of the project. Given the long-term vision for the museum and monument, material selection and structural design have been critical. Hot-dip galvanizing was chosen to protect steel elements from corrosion over the design life of the structures, combining barrier and cathodic protection to ensure durability, minimize maintenance, and extend operational longevity. This allows the museum to withstand environmental exposure, high visitor traffic, and the test of time. Beyond durability, creativity and architectural expression were central to the design. The project incorporates bold forms, open spaces, and large-span structures that engage visitors, all supported by galvanized steel and zinc elements. Zinc, in particular, is integral to both performance and aesthetics, offering a natural patina that evolves over time, creating visual appeal while reinforcing the monumentality of the design. The use of these materials demonstrates a strategic balance between function, artistic expression, and sustainability, while also highlighting the value and impact of the hot-dip galvanizing market. High-profile projects such as this encourage wider adoption of galvanized steel, promote industry growth, and set benchmarks for combining durability with design creativity. The National Medal of Honor Museum and Monument, therefore, are not only tributes to valor and sacrifice but also exemplars of how thoughtful material choices, architectural innovation, and long-term planning can create enduring, inspiring, and culturally significant landmarks.