Medal of Honor Grove
About Us
The Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove are dedicated to honoring sacrifice, preserving history, and fostering civic education. Located on the campus of the Founding Forward Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, we serve as stewards of a wooded 40-acre grove dedicated to commemorating the valor of those who received our nation’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor.
In partnership with our parent organization, Founding Forward, we strive to amplify our mission and broaden our impact. Founding Forward’s commitment to immersive civic education experiences complements our dedication to honoring the legacy of America’s heroes, educating future generations, and preserving this sacred space.
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that the Medal of Honor Grove remains a place of honor, remembrance, and inspiration. By preserving its natural beauty and enhancing its memorial spaces, we create an enduring tribute to Medal of Honor recipients and educate visitors on their courage and commitment to freedom. Together with Founding Forward, we honor the past, inspire the present, and shape the future for generations to come.
Our History
The Medal of Honor Grove was established in 1964 on the campus of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. In June 2011, the Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove proudly assumed responsibility for maintaining and preserving this beautiful memorial park. Since then, our dedicated efforts have included paving new roads, mowing, removing hazardous trees, organizing community cleanups, and installing plaques honoring new recipients each year.
In April 2017, Freedoms Foundation entered into a conservation easement agreement with Schuylkill Township, Chester County, and the Natural Lands Trust. This agreement ensures that the Medal of Honor Grove will be protected in perpetuity, safeguarding it for future generations.
In February 2019, the Grove earned Level 1 arboretum accreditation through the ArbNet program, recognizing its collection of over 50 tree and shrub species. The Grove has also become an Audubon Bird Habitat, providing a sanctuary for local wildlife and a tranquil place for visitors to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of America’s Medal of Honor recipients.
What We Do
At the Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove, we support ongoing projects to:
- Restore and maintain each state’s memorial area, ensuring that it honors the heroes it represents.
- Host educational and community events that inspire visitors and build awareness of the sacrifices made by Medal of Honor recipients.
- Protect the natural environment of the Grove, providing a serene and respectful setting for reflection.