"It shall be the privilege and responsibility of the City of Gainesville Texas to welcome our Nation's Medal of Honor Recipients at every opportunity.
In so doing we pay homage to the principles which the Medal of Honor represents… Duty, Honor, Country." – Mission Statement

Gainesville’s Medal of Honor Host City Program is an all-volunteer, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) corporation supported entirely by individuals and business contributions in the Gainesville area. All funds raised are allocated directly or indirectly to participating Recipients, and the amount raised each year dictates the numbers of Recipients who can be invited.

The program is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, its membership, or any other organization.

History—The Medal of Honor Host City Program:

Was established in 2001 to provide residents with a more interactive connection with America’s history and the military and veteran community.
Decided the best approach was to reach out to the men who had served the nation with heroic distinction and at the same time engage the community, especially its children, in the patriotic process.
Received seed money from the City of Gainesville and not long thereafter, former Navy Corpsman and retired National Guard Col. Don "Doc" Ballard was the first Medal of Honor Recipient to visit. Our most frequent visitor, he has returned each year since.
Welcomed the help of late Medal of Honor Recipient and WII Aviator, Marine BGen Robert E. Galer and his wife, Sharon, who maintained a summer home at nearby Lake Kiowa and were very supportive in the program’s early days.
Invites numerous Recipients to participate in the annual, three-day celebration held the second weekend in April.
Provides each Recipient with a daily $250 stipend to defray expenses during their visit. Travel and food expenses are covered by the program.
Has won the appreciation of the Recipients who have visited with Gainesville’s small town, patriotic hospitality; many have returned again and again over the years, and encouraged other Recipients to attend.

 
 
Medal of Honor Photo