"Visions of Valor," the nation's first traveling photographic exhibit by photographer Nick Del Calzo and honoring recipients of the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest honor for valor under fire, opens with a special preview July 4 at the North Dakota State Fair Center, 2005 Burdick Expressway East, Minot, ND. The portraits will be on display in the lobby during the North Dakota State Fair, July 20-28. Admission is free and the display will be open to the public during normal fair hours. Featured in the exhibit of dramatic black-and-white portraits are 26 Medal of Honor recipients, including Michael Fitzmaurice, originally from Jamestown.

Fitzmaurice is scheduled to attend an opening ceremony emceed by Major General Michael J. Haugen, USAF (ret.), former North Dakota Adjutant General, at 10 a.m. Rear Admiral Michael H. Miller, USN, Deputy Chief of Staff for Global Force Management & Joint Operations, will also be a guest speaker in the program.

"There is no better way to commemorate the accomplishments of our military heroes and celebrate freedom on this special holiday than to view this exhibit," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. "Here you can learn about extraordinary men whose bravery, dedication and selflessness earned them our nation's highest honor."

This "Visions of Valor" exhibit is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and TriWest Healthcare Alliance, which administers the military's health care plan, TRICARE, in North Dakota and 20 other western states.

Visions of Valor is designed to educate the public about the Medal of Honor and perpetuate the patriotism, courage and honor of its recipients. The Medal of Honor has been awarded to fewer than 3,500 recipients since the Civil War; only 110 recipients are still living today.