ARLINGTON, Va., October 11, 2017 – Los Angeles businessman, veteran and philanthropist Edward P. Roski, Jr., received the Circle of Honor Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation Saturday night in Los Angeles.
The Circle of Honor Award is the Foundation’s most prestigious award. It honors and recognizes American citizens who have made profound contributions to our Nation and way of life, and who epitomize the principles of courage, sacrifice, service and patriotism.
“As the patriots of the past and the present, it is our duty to prepare future generations to confront every challenge and rise to every occasion,” said Roski, president and chairman of the Board of Majestic Realty Co. “We must provide them with the skills and the tools, so that they may win any war and preserve every peace.”
Roski is a Marine Corps veteran who received two Purple Hearts in Vietnam. Along with Majestic Realty Co., he is also co-owner of the Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers and the STAPLES Center.
Roski also received proclamations from the city and county of Los Angeles.
“As Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, and on behalf of its residents, I hereby congratulate Edward P. Roski on his military service, successful career, and his commitment to serving others. SEMPER FI,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
“With sincere congratulations and best wishes, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles does hereby join in your celebration,” stated Mark Ridley-Thomas, chairman of the Board and supervisor for the Second District for the County of Los Angeles.
A generous and well-respected philanthropist, Roski personally commits his time and resources to countless civic organizations throughout Los Angeles. In 2002, he initiated the Majestic Realty Foundation whose charitable giving and community outreach focuses on youth, family, education, health, and violence prevention. In addition, in 2007, Ed cofounded the Land of the Free Foundation which has contributed more than $10 million to those who serve and their families.
“Ed is one of the good guys, because at the top of the list of what pulls at his heartstrings are his respect and admiration for men and women in uniform,” said Col. (Retired) Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor Recipient. “You can ask Ed about his military service, or his business, or his philanthropy, but he quickly changes the subject to the people who serve our country.”
Roski takes an active role in the cultural and educational development of Los Angeles, serving as Chairman Emeritus on the Board of Trustees at the University of Southern California as well as on boards of the Bowers Museum, The California Science Center, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission.
“As a father and a grandfather, I’m encouraged that the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is sharing the lessons we have learned, passing on the principles to a new generation,” said Roski. “I’m glad they’re teaching the character and the conduct required to live a life of humility, integrity, and service beyond self.”
“Ed built one of the nation’s most successful companies based on old-school values,” said Ron Rand, president and CEO, Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. “The Medal of Honor values of courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism epitomize our Circle of Honor recipients and Ed is a perfect example.”
The Circle of Honor Gala was hosted in partnership with the Jonathan Club, located at 545 South Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. More than 350 people attended the black-tie event that raised nearly $1.2 million which will be used for the Foundation’s education, outreach and recognition programs. Visit www.themedalofhonor.com to learn more about the Foundation and the Circle of Honor Award.
About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society:
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by the Congress in 1958 to create a brotherhood among the living Medal of Honor recipients, to protect and uphold the dignity and honor of the Medal, to promote patriotism and love of country, and to inspire our youth to become worthy and dedicated citizens of our nation.
Its membership consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. Today, there are 72 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Society is unique in that its membership hopes that there will be no need to welcome new inductees.
About the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation:
The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation was founded in 1999 by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal. Through character development, scholarship and citizen recognition programs based on the values embodied in the Medal — courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism — the Foundation teaches all citizens that they can make a difference in the lives of others. The Foundation also supports the important work of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Tax ID #25-1828488, the Foundation carries a rating of 4/4 stars for fiscal management, accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator, America’s premiere nonprofit evaluator.