Medal Of Honor Recipients Get Hero's Welcome In Boston

BOSTON (CBS) -- Many of the country's most highly decorated service members and veterans received a hero's welcome in Boston Wednesday.

The city is hosting the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's annual convention, where more than half of the 78 living recipients of America's highest military decoration are gathering. It's the third time Boston has hosted the convention, which is more than any other city.

They were transported by seven Black Hawk helicopters that could be seen flying over the city today before landing at Boston Common.

Earlier on Wednesday, a helicopter with two Medal of Honor recipients touched down before a sea of students at Boston College High School.

"It was unbelievable," said William O'Carroll, a senior at BC High. "I did not expect a Black Hawk to be landing on BC High.

For former Naval Officer Tom Kelly, it's a familiar sight. He was one of these boys at BC High 59 years ago.

"I think they're a lot smarter than I was," Kelly said, crediting the school for teaching him core values.

Kelly earned his Medal of Honor under attack in Vietnam. He continued to direct his men to safety after sustaining a serious head wound.

"Very few people want to talk about being in combat," he said. "It's not a fun topic at all."

The goal is to connect the Medal of Honor recipients with youth in the community, telling them stories of the past and inspiring them to bring integrity to their future.

"Being able to give that sacrifice and put yourself in harm's way for your fellow man, that's what we all want to strive for here," said BC High senior Trent Chinnaswamy.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports: 

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