CANTON, Ohio — The Pro Football Hall of Fame saluted the military again this November with their annual Veteran's Day event that typically brings around 300 people to the Hall of Fame in Canton.

What You Need To Know

  • The Pro Football Hall of Fame's annual Veteran's Day Event looked a bit different this year with the pandemic, but the meaning behind it remained the same

  • This year's guest of honor was Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter

  • The HOF is providing free museum admission and parking to all veterans and active military until Nov. 15

  • For more information go to profootballhof.com

With the pandemic this year, only about 25 invited guests were able to come in person to the event while the remainder streamed it on the Hall’s Facebook page.

“President Lincoln said that a nation that does not honor its heroes should not long endure,” said David Baker, the president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to start off the event.

This year's program featured youngest living Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter.

 



“To have me back as a keynote is just surreal, and I’m just so extremely honored and humbled, and I’m also proud of myself,” said Carpenter.

Carpenter enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 19 and while on duty in Afghanistan his life changed forever.

“When I was needed by my fellow marines and friends in Afghanistan during a daylight attack I covered a hand grenade that was thrown at our look-out position,” said Carpenter.

Carpenter’s body quite literally had to be reconstructed. He was in Walter Reed Medical Center for three years, he flatlined three times and lost an eye, but said he doesn't regret a thing.

In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Carpenter the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House.

He’s made national TV and written his own book, but despite such notable recognition, he still feels honored to be asked to share his experience anywhere.

“And so to feel like I’m a junior Marine and just some average guy, graduated college and now trying to figure out life like anyone else to be asked to come do a Q & A with David Baker  — are you kidding me? It’s surreal,” said Carpenter.

Baker had nothing but great things to say about Carpenter.  

“Marine corporal Kyle Carpenter, recipient of the congressional medal of honor — this guy is 145 pounds, and he is the biggest man I know. I am 6-foot-9 and 400 pounds, and I literally look up to him,” said Baker.

Baker said he’s honored the Pro Football Hall of Fame hosts such an event to honor those who sacrifice for the greater good. He thinks football and sports have a lot in common with the characteristics of those who serve our nation.

 

 



“I think it is the foundation of America that upon our fields of competition are built the values that we hold so dear here in america… You certainly learn commitment, by giving yourself to something that is bigger than you are you actually become more relevant, not less. By being a part of a community you learn that our differences can make us stronger,” said Baker.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Carpenter wish those who serve or served a happy Veteran’s Day.

“I hope you have a great Veteran's Day filled with meaningful reflection, but happiness as well,” said Carpenter.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is providing free museum admission and parking to all veterans and active military plus a guest until Nov. 15. The Hall of Fame store is also offering a 20% discount for all veterans and active military. For more information you can go to profootballhof.com.