National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership

Courage is often misunderstood as the absence of fear. In reality, courage requires us to move forward despite uncertainty, risk, and vulnerability. It asks us to speak up when it's difficult, make the right decision when it's unpopular, and remain true to our values when the outcome isn't guaranteed.

As Medal of Honor Recipient Gary M. Rose reminds us: "Courage cannot happen without allowing yourself to be vulnerable while ignoring the possible risks."

Sacrifice is more than giving something up. It's choosing to put the needs of others before your own. Whether it's serving a community, supporting a teammate, or making a difficult decision for the greater good, acts of sacrifice reflect the character and selflessness that define strong leadership.

At the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, sacrifice is one of the six core values that inspire us to lead with purpose and serve with integrity every day.

The challenges first responders face require more than skill alone. They require character.

As The Leader's Journey began, President & CEO Pepe Carreras welcomed participants and reinforced the importance of values-based leadership, personal responsibility, and service to others.

Through experiences like these, first responders continue building the tools needed to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose when their communities need them most.

Values become meaningful when they're put into action.

At The Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway, business and community leaders gathered to explore how the values exemplified by Medal of Honor Recipients can strengthen leadership in organizations, schools, and communities. Through powerful conversations with Medal of Honor Recipients Salvatore E. Giunta and Ryan M. Pitts, attendees were challenged to consider how courage, integrity, commitment, and service influence the decisions they make every day.

The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership exists to help translate these timeless values into practical leadership that creates lasting impact. Events like this are an opportunity to build connections, inspire action, and equip more leaders to serve with purpose.

This Independence Day, we reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the values that help preserve them.

The principles of courage, integrity, commitment, citizenship, patriotism, and sacrifice have shaped our nation's history and continue to inspire those who choose to serve their communities and lead with purpose. As we gather with family and friends, we honor those whose actions remind us that freedom carries both privilege and responsibility.

Happy Independence Day from the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership.

A room full of people committed to growing, serving, and leading with purpose. Participants gathered in Charleston for The Leader's Journey Workshop, where Medal of Honor Recipients Leroy Petry and Earl Plumlee shared stories from their own experiences and reflected on the values that continue to guide them today. Throughout the day, attendees challenged assumptions, exchanged perspectives, and explored how character influences the choices we make in our organizations, our communities, and our everyday lives. It's these moments of connection and reflection that help turn values into action.

The American Civil War resulted in the highest number of Medals of Honor awarded in U.S. history.

Established during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor recognized extraordinary acts of valor performed by those who demonstrated exceptional courage in service to others. The stories behind these awards continue to remind us of the character, sacrifice, and commitment that define the Medal of Honor values today.

Follow along each month as we explore the history and legacy of the Medal of Honor.