National Medal of Honor Mural by Juan Velazquez

Details

Background

The National Medal of Honor is awarded to U.S. service members who distinguish themselves through acts of integrity, honor, and courage. Created by Congress during the Civil War, the National Medal of Honor is the country’s highest military decoration awarded for uncommon valor in combat. Since its creation, over 3500 Medals of Honor have been awarded to recipients representing all branches of U.S. military service.

The drive to bring the National Medal of Honor Museum to Arlington was a passion project of the community and a true team effort. Community leaders leveraged the city’s many cultural assets—including the Arlington Entertainment District, Downtown Arlington, the University of Texas at Arlington, and others—to convey Arlington’s authentic patriotic spirit and demonstrate the city’s unique ability to amplify the museum’s mission through partnerships, philanthropy, education, and veterans’ advocacy. In March 2025, when the National Medal of Honor Museum opened in Arlington, it became a proud testament to the synergies of this shared vision.

About the Mural

While it is a single award with a common purpose, the National Medal of Honor actually has three official design variations: one for the Army, one for the Air Force, and one for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The National Medal of Honor Museum mural, which celebrates all recipients of the Medal of Honor, highlights elements from the version awarded to the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

At the center of the design presides Minerva, Roman goddess of wisdom, arts and military skill. She represents the strength and ideals honored by the Medal and symbolizes the triumph of peace over conflict.

Featured prominently are four words which represent the core values of the Medal: Integrity, Valor, Honor, Courage.

The Medal of Honor’s light blue neck ribbon, which is worn by every recipient, flows through the design. The ribbon’s thirteen white stars represent the original thirteen colonies and the founding values of the nation.

The location of the mural serves as a symbolic link to the Arlington Entertainment District, home of the National Medal of Honor Museum, and Downtown Arlington.

About the Artist

Artist and U.S. Army veteran Juan Velazquez paints in a hyper-realistic style that really shines conveying emotions and subject matter including historical concepts, patriotism, and his Mexican culture. Since he began painting murals in 2020, Velazquez has created over 150 murals in California, Colorado, and Texas, particularly in many neighborhoods throughout his home of Fort Worth. Velazquez received widespread attention for his talent when he created a tribute mural to slain U.S. soldier Vanessa Guillen, and he continues to be recognized for his commitment to social justice and community engagement through his vibrant, engaging work.

Website: thejuanartist.com

Facebook: facebook.com/FortWorthMurals

Instagram: @velazquez_art_

About the Mural Dedication

The National Medal of Honor Museum mural was dedicated at an event on June 5, 2025. The dedication was hosted by the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Veterans Business Council, which was the primary sponsor of the mural project.

“Veterans understand the power of service and sacrifice,” said Persons B. “Griff” Griffith IV, Chair of the Chamber’s Veterans Business Council. “By supporting this mural, our Council wanted to offer more than a tribute; we wanted to create a daily call to action. One that inspires young people, families, and business owners to live with integrity, serve their communities as engaged citizens, and carry a spirit of patriotism that honors the legacy of every Medal of Honor recipient.”

Speakers at the event included Curnutt & Hafer LLC founders Kelly Curnutt and Doug Hafer; National Medal of Honor Museum President and CEO Chris Cassidy; Arlington Mayor Jim Ross; and Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Jacobson. American Idol contestant Odell Bunton, Jr. sang the National Anthem. Special thanks were given to Grammy-award winning artist Kirk Franklin for facilitating Bunton’s appearance at the event.