GAINESVILLE, Texas (KXII) – Medal of Honor week continued in Gainesville on Thursday with the grand opening of the new Medal of Honor Museum at North Central Texas College (NCTC).
“Let this museum stand as a lasting tribute,” Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson said, speaking to the large crowd and the recipients. “May it inspire future generations to love this country, to serve your neighbors, and to live with the same values that you upheld.”
Leaders from across the region and the state came to salute this major milestone.
“More than 100,000 students, citizens, and visitors will walk through NCTC’s campus each year,” Rep. Brandon Gill said. “That’s 100,000 lives touched, taught, and transformed, and they’ll all remember that the Medal of Honor isn’t given, it’s earned.”
A statement echoed by Sen. Brent Hagenbuch (R-Texas).
“There’s only a precious few that were called and answered the call to the level of warranting a Congressional Medal of Honor, and I so appreciate you all,” he said. “It’s a great, great honor to meet you, and I hope you can see how much we appreciate you.”
Medal of Honor recipient James Taylor said this museum was in the works for over two decades.
“We had a dream about this,” he said. “This here means so much to me, and all the friends that I’ve met down there over 23 years, I can’t replace them and I think about them every day.”
NCTC Chancellor Dr. Brent Wallace said the emotion in the air on Thursday was powerful.
“I’ve seen a lot of tears today,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of the family, especially of our recipients, that are brought to tears seeing their loved one’s memorabilia displayed in a beautiful facility.”
The museum won’t officially open to the public for a few more weeks, but those in attendance got a sneak peek.
“It’s just fantastic that the population of Gainesville and the surrounding area, you’ve got to come, this is the jewel, it is precious and it’s wonderful,” Taylor said.
And for the younger generations, he had a simple piece of advice.
“Live your dream,” he said. “Set your goals, never quit, and never give up.”
A full list of times and events still to come this week is as follows:
- Friday, 10 a.m. — Tree Dedication at Homegrown Hero Walking Trail
- Friday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. — Ticketed Banquet at the Gainesville Civic Center
- Saturday, 10 a.m. — Medal of Honor Parade through Downtown Gainesville
- Saturday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. — Book Signing at the Gainesville Civic Center
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