A new Medal of Honor Memorial to be dedicated at State Capitol

Minnesota is hosting a gathering of dozens of recipients of the nation's highest military honor for valor in combat this week.

The annual Congressional Medal of Honor Society convention is being held in Minneapolis, although there will be events throughout the Twin Cities. Vietnam War honoree and former POW Leo Thorsness is also scheduled to return to his home town of Walnut Grove, where a park will be dedicated in his name.

"These are our nation's greatest heroes," said Tiffany Kovaleski, chief of staff for the Medal of Honor Convention Twin Cities. "They've gone above and beyond the call of duty."

Forty-two living recipients of the Medal of Honor are scheduled to attend.

"You could compare it to the Super Bowl," said Kovaleski. "This is kind of the military version of their big annual gala for the Medal of Honor society."

There are 72 recipients of the honor with Minnesota ties, including natives and long time residents of the state, and officials will dedicate a memorial to them Monday at 4 p.m. at the main entrance to the State Capitol grounds.